2026 will mark the 75th anniversary of the North Beach Sea Eagles and PETER ROWE caught up with new head coach Marty Collis to discuss what the Fuel to Go and Play premiership season might look like.
Marty Collis knows he has big shoes to fill as the new coach at Charles Riley Reserve, in what is a remarkable year for the North Beach Sea Eagles.
Formed in 1951, the club has been a stellar performer over nearly eight decades of rugby league in Western Australia.
And in recent times they have figured in four of the last five NRLWA grand finals, winning three in 2021, 2023 and 2024.
For Collis trying to emulate the success that former coach Phil Douche experienced will be a challenge.
But for an experienced league man like Marty, it’s a challenge he is looking forward to.
“Phil did a great job here over many years and I know he needed a break, and yes they are big shoes to fill, but it is a very well run club with a great committee and a great facility, so I am looking forward to it,” Collis told NRLWA media.
“Of course there is pressure to perform given the success here and even more so perhaps as it’s an anniversary year.”
The club will even revert to its original green and gold jerseys for the season, leaving the maroon and white kit in the cupboard as they chase another premiership.
“Im not sure when they changed from the green and gold to maroon,“ Collis said. “I believe it came about after the Manly club donated a set of jerseys way back when.
“But it’s going to be an exciting year on and off the field.”
The club has, like many, lost a few players gained some. From last season’s semi-final team only five remain with some heading East to try their luck and others like Roydon Gillett moving to Fremantle to be closer to home.
Hooker Kobi Aiesi is another who has moved – to Willagee.
Collis has seen quite a few faces at preseason training and is looking to develop a blend of experience and youth for the upcoming campaign.
“There’s a good nucleus of 18 to 20 year-olds coming through at the club and they will get their chance to show me what they can do in trial games before the season starts,” Collis said.
“We’ve had a couple come in from the UK and a couple from local union clubs.”
Jeremy Wallace, Bowman Stein and Kallum Gulliver-Brown will spearhead the ‘old boys’ with youth playing a major part.
“A lot of them are still learning, but I can see relationships building,” Collis added.
And with the interchange dropping from 12 to 10 this season, fitness will play an even bigger role.
“We’ve been working hard on that and we’ve about 40 at training. Of course we will have to manage the FIFO element as well, which is a part of the game these days.”
Collis is an old hand at developing youth, having been involved in State programs for some years.
He knows how important it is to have experience around them on the field, as transitioning from 17s to senior football can be daunting for some.
“We need to put older, more experienced players around them, as they get used to the physicality of the game and toughen up mentally,” Collis said.
With the average age of first grade players likely to fall this season it’s imperative clubs not only give their youngsters a chance but stick with them.
“It’s hard to recruit form over East because of the expectations financially, so this could be a really good time for up and coming players to show us what they can do.”
For Collis the team to beat, on paper at least in March, is Willagee.
“They have strengthened from last year with some quality and I expect them to be up there again,” Collis said.
“It’s good to have more teams this year, more variety and it gives more players exposure. The new teams will be combative I’m sure. I know Ellenbrook are really keen to make it work.”
After two trial matches against Rockingham and Ellenbrook, Collis will have a better idea about his squad and be ready for Round 1 against Joondalup on April 10.
Going back to their heritage will be a big occasion for the northern beaches club.
It will give them even more reason to be there in the top four come August.
With 16 premierships already in their illustrious history – the first way back in 1971 and 10 this century – it would be a fitting celebration in a milestone year.
