This article is proudly sponsored by Rhino Rugby

After winning back to back Shute Shield premierships, Sydney Uni looked on track for another title assault in 2020 but were stunned by Northern Suburbs on a windy day at Rat Park in the opening week of the finals.

An Eastwood win the following day, ended the Students season. Uni did manage to win the second grade and colts premiership on grand final day and appear hungry to return to their best in 2021.

Overview with Michael Hodge:

“It was a disappointing way to finish the season, particularly because we really believed that we were doing all the things we needed to do to play well at the end of the year,” Hodge told Rugby News.  

“We weren’t perfect, but we thought we were in a place where we had enough to give the finals a good shake. We led against Gordon 19-3 after about 20 minutes and to Gordon’s credit, they came back. We played well against Norths a week later and then built some good momentum against a tough Parra side in the final round. 

“Even in the first half of the semi final against Norths, we were running into the wind but we controlled the game quite well and I was quite confident at half time. We knew they are the type of side that would fight all the way and that’s exactly what they did. 

“It was really disappointing to lose the way we did because we let ourselves down in most of the big moments towards the end of that game. We just didn’t execute under pressure when we needed to. 

“Then the results didn’t go our way and we were knocked out. We’ve got no one to blame but ourselves because everyone knows how the finals system works and by finishing fourth, you always risk being knocked out in week one. 

“In saying that, I think a few teams were probably quite pleased that we did lose though because I think we were still capable of some big performances. 

“Playing at Uni, the expectations are always high and you learn that from the first day you walk into the club as an 18-year old. 

“Every week teams turn up to play a mini grand final against you and generally that helps because come finals time, we’re battle hardened. With a shortened season this year, we probably didn’t play as many of those games as we usually do. 

“The exciting thing is we blooded a lot of new players this year. We’ve always got a high turnover of players and this year, we were missing even more with all the Super Rugby bubbles so a lot of guys got an opportunity. 

“Our second grade side were really dominant all season and our first grade colts side also won the premiership. 

“Looking ahead to next year, we’ve got first grade boys who are really hungry to make things right and then we’ve got second grade and colts boys ready to step up and break into that team.”

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

“For the first part, we need to give the guys a good break, it was a really long year for us. We had a tour to New Zealand and then played in the Australian Club Championships back in March and we did a lot of work leading into that. 

“We’re going to do a little block before Christmas but that is more about getting the group together and introducing some of those second grade and colts boys. 

“Come early January, there are a few things that we need to do better and we need to evolve our game. A lot of teams took big steps forward this season and we need to do the same.”

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

“We’ve got a lot of guys in and around contracts and academies and we’ve already had a few guys get picked up on the back of their efforts this season. 

“Henry Robertson, who was the Aussie 20s No.9, he played second grade this year and I think he will have a big year in 2021. We’ve also got Banjo Travers at No.9 and Theo Strang, who just got picked up by the Melbourne Rebels. 

“From the colts group, young Hugh Bokenham is the obvious one. He was a dominant Australian Schoolboy. Papillon Sevele got a taste of first grade this year but then went back to colts, he’s a talent. 

“Our two colts props, Paddy Tagg and Dan Botha are also really exciting prospects and I think they’ll add even more depth to our front row stocks next year.”

Bold prediction for 2021: 

“The draw hasn’t even come out yet so it’s hard to look too far ahead. I really hope we got back to a more traditional season next year with 20 or so rounds. I really enjoyed having Penrith and Newcastle in the competition this year so I hope that continues. 

“A 20 odd round season starting in April will help us and give us time to build combinations throughout the season. We’ll always aspire to be up there, it’s not going to be a rebuilding year, we want to win the competition. 

“It will be really interested to see which teams retain their players. Obviously Gordon were really good this year but who knows if they will have a similar side again. Easts also had a lot of Super Rugby talent, I’m not sure if they will all be back. 

“Then some of the teams that struggled like Manly and Warringah, they’ll be fighting hard to break back into the top six. We played Warringah in the last two grand finals so it’s hard to rule them out. 

“There’s also a bit of coach movement so it’s hard to say but I know our expectations won’t change and we want to be right up there fighting to win the comp.”

Rhino Rugby, the only one stop shop for all your Rugby needs. Used by the best in the world this Australian company provides the Rugby community with not only the highest quality but also the best value.

Be it Balls, Scrum Machines, Breakdown Equipment, Protection, Field Accessories, Tackle Bags, Hit Shields, Kit Bags and their full range of teamwear on field and off field they are ready to so a deal for you and your club, school or association.

Call them on 1300 556 112 or email sales@rhinoaustralia.com.