New staff and new look give Penrith Emus confidence going into Shute Shield season

The Penrith Emus rugby union team are confindent they are heading in the right direction with a new look and new coaching staff.

With the season opener fast approaching, the Penrith Emus are confident they are heading in the right direction.

After finishing the 2013 season winless, the first grade side has posted wins in trial matches against Newcastle and Illawarra.

Head coach Teki Tu’ipulotu has brought new coaching staff and players on board and he said the inclusion of new faces had made all the difference.

“Preseason has been going well, and we’re better off now than we were 12 months ago,” Tu’ipulotu said.

“The club is growing, so we have a bit of depth this year. We’ve got new personnel on board and we’ve had quite a few league players come across as well, which is nice.”

New staff, including assistant coach Todd Thocolich, Kave Naati, Alan McDonald and former league player Mark Horo, have already had an impact on the team.

“The fitness levels are much higher now, which is a good thing for the players. Now they can last the full 80 minutes instead of 60,” Tu’ipulotu said.

“Just the team bonding and the culture of the club is starting to change.

“It’s always good to have new faces, but now I have a massive headache trying to select my squad, because we have so much depth now, but I can only pick 15 players.”

The team’s first test will come when they face last year’s premiers Sydney University in their final trial and then again in round one.

Penrith Emus against Sydney University (stripes) last season.

“We are looking not only to compete but to win. We are just going to take it week by week,” Tu’ipulotu said.

“It would be awesome for Penrith, the west and the club if we could beat them first round.”

New signing and former league player Michael Mate said morale among the players was good.

“Trials have been good for our confidence, especially going into next week against Sydney Uni. It will be good to see where we’re at,” Mate said.

“We have a strong coaching staff and the boys all get along with each other.”

MATCH DAY:

Final trial match vs Sydney University

Nepean Rugby Park, Andrews Rd, Cranebrook

Saturday 22nd March 2014

First grade kick-off at 3pm

Then round one against Sydney University on 29th March