A number of former old boys have returned to take the reins at Gregory Terrace ahead of the 2021 GPS season.

Following a mid table finish in 2020, Gregory Terrace travel to Ipswich to kick start their campaign this weekend.

Overview with Michael Broad: 

“It’s been a bit of an interesting preseason for us. We had the original coach resign at Easter to coach elsewhere and they were looking for someone to step in,” Broad told Rugby News.

“I’ve been involved with the school for a long time so I was really excited about the opportunity to work with a really good group of coaches around me. We’ve got Nick Stiles, Mark Chisholm and Michael Tunny coaching as well.

“We’ve got a really good bunch of boys this year. We’re probably a little bit behind where we would have liked to be because we needed to train with a wider squad through most of the trials. We wanted to give the boys a chance to earn a spot in the first XV and that was the best way to do that.

“That’s helped build a really strong culture within the group and there has been a lot of competition for spots which I think will be great for the program this year and for many years to come.”

What style of rugby will we see from your side this year? 

“We’ve put a big emphasis on producing a solid team performance every week. We probably don’t have as many stars as some of the other schools, but we do have a lot of guys that will work really hard for their teammates.

“Most of the boys have been at the school for a number of years, so it means a lot to them to play first XV rugby.

“We’ll play a simple game and we’ll look to move teams around the field. We’re probably going to be the smallest and youngest team in the competition.

“Field position will be important for us.”

2021 Squad: 

“It’s a younger group but they are really eager. We’ve spoken a lot about representing the school and the jersey and all the players that have gone before them and the boys have really bought in to that.

“ They’re really hungry to perform and I think we’ll see them do that to the best of their ability every week.”

Player/s to watch: 

“Joe Liddy is our captain, he was picked in the QLD U18s squad earlier this year. He’s an exciting No.7 and he’s a really good leader. From the first day of our Easter camp, he’s led from the front and the boys are right behind him.

“He’s tough and hard on the ball, he’s a wonderful defender and he’s also good in attack. He jumps and calls in the lineout as well so he’s got a great understanding of the game.”

Bold prediction for the season ahead: 

“Nudgee and BBC are in my eyes probably the team to beat. I’ve been away from first XV rugby for quite a while now, but from what I’ve heard from other coaches it sounds like they’ll be strong.

“I think we’ll be competitive and I think every team that plays us will know that they’ve played a tough side that knows how to play rugby and doesn’t stop until the final whistle.”