By MARK CASHMAN

You’d have to mark down Warringah as the big improvers of the 2021 Shute Shield season and it must be said that they were gaining momentum as the competition was called to a halt.

Coach Mike Ruthven had the Rats playing some pretty good footy and the input and value he was getting from his coaching team (that of course included Geoff Toovey) was significant.

Until his injury Ben Marr must have been the best non contracted players in the Shute Shield and there was some significant development in the game of flyhalf Dean Blore and prop Sateki Latu.

All the numbers

Played: Nine

Won: Six

Lost: Three

Points for: 277

Points Against: 220

Differential: +57

Bonus Points: Eight

Competition Points: 33

Position: Fifth

What was the best part of the 2021 journey?

This season was a really positive year for us after the disappointment of 2020. The way the playing group responded and prepared themselves over the pre-season was excellent and I think our results were a reflection of that. We had some new faces amongst both our coaching and playing group who had a positive influence on our program. The people you get to interact with is what makes club rugby so special.

What was the worst part?

Obviously the lockdown and the cancelled season. Something beyond everyone’s control, but you feel for the players across all grades who commit a huge amount of physical and emotional energy to enjoy their footy on a Saturday.

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

I think the beauty of Warringah at the moment is the depth of talent we have and the buy in we are getting from the players. The result is a cohesive output where everyone is contributing to our success and performing consistently.

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

That’s a hard question. Uni were obviously out on their own and things were quite congested below that when things shut down. With nine regular rounds left, Super Rugby players filtering back into club footy a lot could have happened. I’ll take a punt and say we played Eastwood or Uni.

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

Time will tell. Darren has proved himself to be an incredibly successful coach at Shute Shield level in recent years. He has a deep understanding of the challenges that clubs, players and coaches experience during a Shute Shield season. He is a genuine knock about bloke who connects really well with people so I would imagine he will be a really good conduit for aspiring players and coaches to tap into. It’s great to see rugby in Australia back a home grown coach who has got to the elite level the hard way. ‘DC’ has certainly earned this opportunity and he won’t die wondering. 

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

Players have obviously had a really good break from structured training so there is a really positive vibe heading into our pre-season. We will continue to work hard physically and refine a few things around our footy. A huge focus for us will be jumping on the back of the momentum we created in 2021 and ensuring we get to Round One super confident in ourselves.

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

Sateki Latu has continued his incredible development as a quality front rower. He has a tremendous work ethic to go with his natural football ability. Another strong season and I would expect him to kick on to Super Rugby. Again in my opinion Ben Marr is the best non-contracted player getting around in club rugby. Ben is as committed to his footy as I’ve seen him and he will be so influential for us again next year. Dean Blore also has the ability to to kick on and will be better for another season of Shute Shield. Talented athlete and a natural footballer. 

Bold prediction for 2022: 

A Warringah premiership

IMAGE: KAREN WATSON