Shute Shield 2026

[Done that]

What’s the latest on player signings/transfers ?

 

[wamberal99]

What’s the latest on player signings/transfers ?

The latest is to be sceptical.

 

[HarryElite]

i was really hoping the "6 big announcement over the next 6 days" from woods (have they just changed their name to that now?) would have been some more player signings to recover their mishaps and losses. but no, its a rehab partner, a protein partner and swimwear provider who's emailed every club in australia to get the free togs.... optimistic with 3 days of announcements to go though.

 

[savetgmillner]

i was really hoping the "6 big announcement over the next 6 days" from woods (have they just changed their name to that now?) would have been some more player signings to recover their mishaps and losses. but no, its a rehab partner, a protein partner and swimwear provider who's emailed every club in australia to get the free togs.... optimistic with 3 days of announcements to go though.

The next 3 were a pub sponsor, junior academy program and scholarship program.

From research looking through old annual reports the junior academy program commenced at the end of 2021 led by David Telfer and Martin Halmarick. It seems they had two groups being a juniors group for players aged 13-16 and a development group for players aged 10-12 with the latter being run by Craig Hawkings.

The scholarship program with ISCA seems to have started in 2022 according to this article https://www.woods.rugby/post/eastwo...cooper-griffin-takes-up-inaugural-scholarship

Seems like these announcements aren't as groundbreaking as promoted and are just a continuation of groundwork laid in previous years?

The big announcement though is that the AGM is scheduled for December 15 and is going to be held in-person for the first time since 2019.

 

[Pfitzy]

The big announcement though is that the AGM is scheduled for December 15 and is going to be held in-person for the first time since 2019.

I think everyone being face to face will be interesting, and probably more productive.

What's the current structure of their Board? Are all positions up for grabs?

 

[savetgmillner]

I think everyone being face to face will be interesting, and probably more productive.

What's the current structure of their Board? Are all positions up for grabs?

The current board is Rob Cusack (Chair) Brett Papworth (President), Graeme Harrison, Nick Withford, Sam Manion, Frank Gooch, David Sefton. They also have Rob Millner as the Club Patron.

It is interesting that Graeme Harrison is also the 2nd Grade Coach as well as a board member. Must have been interesting at training considering he has been part of the board that got rid of the last two 1st Grade coaches! Would others consider this a conflict of interest?

The AGM notice stated the following Directors Nick Withford and Rob Cusack will retire at this meeting and have both indicated their intention to stand for re-election.

 

[Pfitzy]

It is interesting that Graeme Harrison is also the 2nd Grade Coach as well as a board member.

Weird. Surely a club as big as Eastwood have the ability to attract enough people to fill multiple positions, twice over.

 

[Knuckles]

Just bringing it back to points made about the Player Points Cap. I read it that rule change that a club can only play 2 players in 1st Grade and Colts 1 if they played for ANY other club in 2025.......

So it's possible that a club, let's say Two Blues as it happens to them regularly, could lose 1 player to each of the opposition clubs. So they could lose 11 players......but only replace them with 2!!!

Unless of course I'm misreading it..

 

[HarryElite]

Just bringing it back to points made about the Player Points Cap. I read it that rule change that a club can only play 2 players in 1st Grade and Colts 1 if they played for ANY other club in 2025.......

So it's possible that a club, let's say Two Blues as it happens to them regularly, could lose 1 player to each of the opposition clubs. So they could lose 11 players......but only replace them with 2!!!

Unless of course I'm misreading it..

grade is a cap system based on categories
colts is points which havent changed from last year. so as many colts 1s players can play colts 1 at any team as long as they fit in the points.

but yes your correct, if you have started 6 1st grade games or 6 first colts games at another club in 2025, you can only have 2 of them in your 23 on game day in 2026.

If parra are still continuing to lose, as you say 22 (2 taken for each shute team), then after all the work theyve been putting in to improve the club, you would need to seriously question what the hell is going on there for them to lose 22 first graders, id also question why every other club still cant find alternatives than pillaging parramatta.

ive not heard much movement though from club to club

 

[HarryElite]

The next 3 were a pub sponsor, junior academy program and scholarship program.

From research looking through old annual reports the junior academy program commenced at the end of 2021 led by David Telfer and Martin Halmarick. It seems they had two groups being a juniors group for players aged 13-16 and a development group for players aged 10-12 with the latter being run by Craig Hawkings.

The scholarship program with ISCA seems to have started in 2022 according to this article https://www.woods.rugby/post/eastwo...cooper-griffin-takes-up-inaugural-scholarship

Seems like these announcements aren't as groundbreaking as promoted and are just a continuation of groundwork laid in previous years?

The big announcement though is that the AGM is scheduled for December 15 and is going to be held in-person for the first time since 2019.

i dont mind the announcing of stuff that has been happening for a while, its probably a good reminder. was just hoping the announcements would be bigger or better.

 

[Pfitzy]

If parra are still continuing to lose, as you say 22 (2 taken for each shute team), then after all the work theyve been putting in to improve the club, you would need to seriously question what the hell is going on there for them to lose 22 first graders, id also question why every other club still cant find alternatives than pillaging parramatta.

I think it was an example

 

[Pfitzy]

WSTB put up some video on socials from training last night. I counted just over 70 present.

 

[HarryElite]

WSTB put up some video on socials from training last night. I counted just over 70 present.

not bad for a first session.

 

[teamsport]

Heard that Western Sydney have enticed Charlie Sorovi from Eastwood to break a contract he signed for Warringah in exchange for a massive payment. Interesting as Western Sydney have had numerous issues in the past with paying players on time.

 

[Hankspank]

Heard that Western Sydney have enticed Charlie Sorovi from Eastwood to break a contract he signed for Warringah in exchange for a massive payment. Interesting as Western Sydney have had numerous issues in the past with paying players on time.

Mate I hope your "hearing" is correct as opposed to misplaced scuttlebutt. Charlie is a top young bloke and if it's not true then Mrs Mangle "I heard from a bloke that knows a bloke" turns out to be bollocks then that's not good for a young fella's mindset.

 

[HarryElite]

Heard that Western Sydney have enticed Charlie Sorovi from Eastwood to break a contract he signed for Warringah in exchange for a massive payment. Interesting as Western Sydney have had numerous issues in the past with paying players on time.

thats a great get for them because yeh i thought he went to warringah but i heard they messed up the accomodation they offered him and parra had already signed his 3 brothers and cousins from eastwood so i was wondering if he'd end up there anyway. didnt they all play 7s for parra few weeks ago too? hes a talented player

also whats a massive payment nowadays?

 

[Done that]

If true, then I would expect Warringah to ask for compensation $’s from WSTB. I have seen this situation before.

Mate I hope your "hearing" is correct as opposed to misplaced scuttlebutt. Charlie is a top young bloke and if it's not true then Mrs Mangle "I heard from a bloke that knows a bloke" turns out to be bollocks then that's not good for a young fella's mindset.

 

[northerner]

Charlie signed with rats for 2026, he was going to move in the new year and it was all organised. He just suddenly went and agreed with two blues and still hasn’t even asked the rats for a release.

 

[HarryElite]

sorry for my dumbness, but what what would he need to be released from?

seeing as though registration isnt open yet on any platforms? i definitely think there needs to be some communication but as long as player refunds any payment that was made directly to said player, its nothing to do with the other club and nothing to release.

unless he is on a full time professional contract at rats that is?

Charlie signed with rats for 2026, he was going to move in the new year and it was all organised. He just suddenly went and agreed with two blues and still hasn’t even asked the rats for a release.