By MARK CASHMAN

Northern Suburbs were poised for big things in 2021 and in many people’s eyes had the personal and the desire to slow down the Sydney Uni juggernaut.

That of course wasn’t to be but coach Zak Beer believes that they continue on in the same vein next year.

The likes of Max Burey, James Turner, Charlie Jeavons-Fellows and James Margan will be about and keen to get some footy under their belt after what has been an interrupted last 18 months.

All the numbers
Played: 10
Won: Eight
Lost: Two
Points for: 322
Points Against: 138
Differential: +184
Bonus Points: Seven
Competition Points: 39
Position: Second

What was the best part of the 2021 journey

Having such a strong year up until lockdown was pleasing and having the momentum from Round One, going eight from eight to start the season. We have a great group who work hard but also had plenty of fun together this year. It’s a shame we couldn’t push towards creating some history in 2021.

What was the worst part?

We were hugely disappointed with the season being cut short out of our control. Obviously there was no way we were going to get things back up and running and it proved to be the most sensible decision in the end. We still have memorable moments we can look back on for what was our 2021 season.

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

Difficult to call out one particular player as so many guys performed well in their role for the team. In saying that, things always happened when Max Burey or James Turner had the ball in their hands. Charlie Jeavons-Fellows had an outstanding year before his injury as did James Margan and Brad Hemopo in the forwards.

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

Northern Suburbs vs Sydney University.

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

It can only be a positive. He’s built up years of IP within the NSW system and knows the dynamics of the Shute Shield better than most. He will appreciate the talent knocking on the door to Super Rugby – the likes of a Harry Burey, who’s still so young, that have been the most consistently dominant performers in their position and if given a chance would excel in a professional franchise. It’s only early days but I like the creative ideas he has in mind to grow the game and the talent identification strategies working with Shute Shield clubs.

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

I’m pleased to say we’ve had strong retention right across our top squad and will have most of our First Colts team graduating, who also had a strong year. We’ve got a number of exciting new players joining us from other clubs and from outside of Sydney. Looking forward to finally getting on the field and back to work with the guys, continuing to grow on what we built this year.

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

I’m sure the players I’ve mentioned are all on the the Super Rugby radar and would do well if given an opportunity. Angus Sinclair and Nick Duffy continue to control games better than most halves and will have another year of cohesion under their belt. There’s some exciting Colts to keep an eye on next year who are graduating to Grade, the likes of Liam Dalibozek who’s a lightning quick outside back and Sam Shephard a dynamic lock who we bought up to Grade to develop this year.

Bold prediction for 2022: 

That we finally get back on-field for a full season without interruptions – into a GF at North Sydney Oval.

IMAGE: KAREN WATSON