Warilla-Lake South Gorillas hope new culture will lead to success on field

But new co-coaches Hans Schuster and Craig Stapleton are determined to not let that happen again, by driving a culture shift at Cec Glenholmes Oval.

After a 'refreshing' first year at the Gorillas, Schuster got in contact with Stapleton about teaming up in the coaching ranks, after numerous years on the field together at Shellharbour.

"I've had plenty of handy coaches during my time in the NRL and I've tried to take a little bit from all of them and bring them to my approach to the game," Stapleton said. 

"So that experience, along with Hans' leadership on the field, we think is a strong combination, that will work for us this season."

Following a number of trial matches, on the Central Coast and against Picton, Schuster has been really impressed with the whole squad, which includes recruits Kayne Brennan, Daniel Burke, Lloyd Thomas, Dylan McGregor, Nathan Hore, Jake Goody, Hayden Goody, Guy Rosewarn and Dane Ford.

"Daniel Burke and Kayne Brennan have really set the standard during the pre-season, regularly being the first on the track every session," he said.

"Everyone else is feeding off the energy and lifting the quality of training, which was evident in the trial matches."

These additions have been brought in to cover the losses of Ian Catania, Andrew Diomei, Jordan Harty, Mark Walsh and Kyle Stone - meaning the Gorillas are still aiming to play the way style of footy.

"Everyone knows we like to be aggressive on the field and that won't change," Stapleton said.

"We are still going to be as tough as ever, we are just going to be smarter and not be our own worst enemy with costly penalties.

"Mix that in with different structures and a more balanced side and we are all very excited to start the season."

That all kicks-off on Sunday, when the Gorillas travel to Schuster and Stapleton's old stomping ground, Ron Costello Oval, to play the reigning premiers.

"We are going to try and be physical with the Sharks and just get in the grind with them," Schuster said.

"We don't like losing to them - so we are hoping to start the season off on the right foot on Sunday."