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.