By MARK CASHMAN

The 2021 Shute Shield was always going to be a season of change for Gordon, the defending premiers.

A new coach and a new look roster meant that expectations would have to be managed after the stellar season that was 2020.

But as the season just past hit the midway mark there were signs that the Highlanders would be a side that could be somewhere in the premiership equation at the business end.

Rugby News spoke to Gordon coach Brian ‘Billy’ Melrose about the good, bad and ugly of the season just past.

All the numbers

Played: Nine

Won: Six

Lost: Three

Points for: 290

Points Against: 181

Differential: +109

Bonus Points: Five

Competition Points: 29

Position: Sixth 

What was the best part of the 2021 journey

It would definitely be seeing the young players that stepped up into the shoes of those who moved on from the premiership team of 2020 to professional rugby . 

What was the worst part?

Not being able to see how we would fare at season’s end with a few more matches under our belts and a few injured players return. 

Who was your “go to” player in the Shute Shield squad?

We had so many changes from week to week and newcomers (to first grade) that I relied on a number of guys to just step up and compete. But you’d have to say Tom Silk kept performing at a high level every time he pulled on the jersey. 

If the season played out who would have played in the grand final?

You’ve got to give Uni their due – they were doing very well when the competition was called off because of the pandemic. That said it was a very close comp so I reckon it would have been Sydney Uni vs one of four teams. 

Is the appointment of Darren Coleman at the Waratahs good for the Shute Shield?

‘DC’ certainly understands the intricacies of club footy over a number of years so you would have to think so. 

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

With a bit more off-season time this year I’d hope to be able to get some more combination and time together. Our squad continues to evolve so we need to evolve and grow with that. I can’t wait to see the boys again and start on building a squad to compete to its best in 2022. 

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

I want players that compete hard every week, win games and hopefully a number of them can make their mark in the Shute Shield and go on from there. Putting one player above the others isn’t my style at this point but there are a number good enough if they knuckle down. 

IMAGE: KAREN WATSON