The Shoremen Report: Round 1 v Penrith
Not since round 14, 2016 have Norths ventured out to Nepean Rugby Park, the home of the Emu Burger.
Back then the Shoremen ran home winners 52 - 0 throughout a 10 game winning run, culminating in the 2016 premiership. More recently, it was Norths who welcomed the Emus back into the competition in round 2 last season with a 53-3 win at the famous Bon Andrews Oval.
Off the back of the delayed end to the 2020 season, preparations have been short and intense as the competition gets tighter and tighter for the ultimate prize in the Australian Club Rugby.
Back to the full complement of 18 games & a bye before the finals this season, the competition certainly won't be won in the opening weeks and after a number of the trials were railroaded by the wet weather teams will be eager to feel each other out early on.
Off season signing James Turner is a new addition to a very familiar backline. The winger certainly knows how to find the try line and should have plenty of opportunities come his way with the Norths attacking style of play.
Continuity of coaches and players is a big plus in any campaign and Head Coach Zak Beer has named a very familiar forward pack also. One new face is Jeremy Burrill who has made the off-season switch from the Hunter Wildfires to join the lock department.
If you can't make it out to Nepean Rugby Park, tune into Stan Sports with all games live across the competition in 2021. For those intrigued by the Emu Burger delicacy, Tickets are on sale can be purchased here: Tickets Available Here
In Penrith's only trial for the 2021 pre-season, the Emu's were well accounted for by Southern Districts. With a high volume of player movement over the off season it's hard to know what style of game they might bring in Round 1.