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It was a season of near misses for Sunnybank in 2020. The Dragons fell just short in four of their six losses this year but weren’t a long way off a number of the teams that featured at the pointy end of the ladder.

Coach Sione Fukofuka was disappointed but not disheartened as he reflected on the season just past and seemed confident that Sunnybank have plenty of improvement in them ahead of 2021.

Overview with Sione Fukofuka:

“It was quite frustrating to lose so many tight games this season. I was really happy that we were competitive all year and in a position to win the majority of our games, but extremely frustrated that we weren’t able to find a way to win when we were close in four of our six losses. 

“There were lots of positives to take from the season and we improved in a lot of the areas that we focussed on over both off seasons, but at the end of the day we wanted to get results and finish higher up the ladder and that didn’t happen. 

“I think depth was probably our main issue. Rugby is no longer a 15 man game, you need 23 players every week and we definitely lacked a bit of depth in a few key positions. 

“When we had to turn to replacements, we struggled a little and that also impacted our game management. Our decision making wasn’t great at the back end of the games and that really cost us. 

“I think depth was even more important this year because the competition was so strong. A lot of clubs got some big names back this year and that added to their depth across the grades. We were lucky to get Digby Ioane back and a few others, but probably not as many numbers as some of the other clubs. 

“Our set piece improved massively from last year and we were able to lay a platform to attack off. I was also really happy with how our attack developed throughout the year and by the end of the season, I think we were playing a really positive, attacking style and scoring plenty of points. 

“Our work rate and our ability to keep turning up was also strong. In terms of physical prep, I thought the guys were great and we didn’t lose many physical collisions throughout the year. 

“The playing group was really positive at the end of the season because we were right in so many of those games. 

“When you look at the things we need to fix, it’s nothing major. We need to build depth throughout the squad and we need to make better decisions on the field and other teams have been able to improve that in a short amount of time. 

“By the end of the year, I think we had developed into a good first grade team but we still have a long way to go. Being competitive is one thing, but we want to be winning games and playing finals footy. That’s the next step.”

What needs to happen between now and round one next year? 

“There’s two major parts to that. Firstly, we need to keep working hard with the playing group that we’ve got. 

“This year we were able to give a number of opportunities to young guys at the club and they quickly developed into regular first graders in their first year out of colts. 

“Then we’ve got to recruit key players in key positions to help build depth. I don’t think it’s a secret that having experienced players and performers in the halves and in your tight five makes a big difference in this competition, so we’ll be looking to improve their.”

Which player(s) do you expect to go on to bigger and better things from next year? 

“Our locks were great for us this year, Zach Shepherd and Masi Ganita when he was available was very good. I’m hoping they both build on their performances from this year and get an opportunity at higher levels. 

“Our halfback Neil McNamara was also very good all season, he’s developed his game nicely and added a kicking game this year, which is great. 

“Then guys like Tom Lucas, Liam McNamara, they were great for us again so I think they deserve further opportunities in the years ahead.”

Bold prediction for 2021: 

“I think the top four from this year will change. I’d say at least one of those spots will be up for grabs. Bond showed this year that if you can improve in a few small areas, you can move up the ladder fairly quickly. 

“I think we’ll be up there. Our performances this year were really positive and we could have won in four of those six losses. If we can improve our decision making and pick up a couple of key players, I’m confident that we’ll be fighting for one of those top four spots.”

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