After dropping their first match of the season, TSS won their remaining seven matches in 2022 to claim a share of the GPS premiership, their third in the past five seasons (excluding the 2021 cancelled season).

Former Wallaby Tai McIsaac has replaced Mike Wallace as head coach, with Wallace remaining on board as Director of Rugby, as the Gold Coast side chase another GPS title.

Overview with Mike Wallace: 

“We’ve got a new head coach in Tai McIsaac and he’s done a really good job implementing his game plan and I think all the boys have really bought in to his style. They’re ready to play,” Wallace told Rugby News.

“Tai is an ex-Wallaby and he’s a Gold Coast boy, born and bred, it’s fantastic to have him back home. He’s been Director of Rugby for the past two years and has taken over as head coach this year. 

“That’s given me a bit more time to watch my own sons play and also refresh my ideas on coaching, which I’ve really enjoyed so far. 

“Tai played Super Rugby with the Western Force and then played and coached in Japan for a long time with Suntory and we’re really pleased to have him back working with us here. 

“We probably struggled a little bit through the trial period. We had some injuries to key players and that forced us to play players out of position. I’m not sure the trial period necessarily reflects where the boys are at, but we’ll certainly find out on Saturday. 

“Ipswich will be tough this weekend. They are very strong in their forward pack and then they have a dynamic backline playing off the back of that. 

“They kick really well and I think they’ll offer a huge challenge. 

“It’s not right to say they are going to upset teams this year because that suggests that they are going into games as underdogs and I don’t think that is fair based on what they’ve done in previous years and through the trials. 

“It’s going to be a really tight tussle this weekend and I’m very glad we’re playing them at home.”

2023 Squad: 

“We’ve got a few key players returning from last year,” Wallace continued. 

“Billy Wellard is our captain and was in the side last year. Fergus Gillan is our lineout leader and he’s a very good player who is also returning. Spencer Alcock, who played flyhalf last year is also back. 

“They are three pretty critical ins for us. 

“We’ve also got a lot of young players pushing into the squad this year. There are a lot of guys who are going to be new to this level of rugby but they seem to be stepping up to the challenge so far.

“That also allows us to plant a pretty solid foundation for the future.”

What style of rugby will we see from TSS this season?

“I don’t think there will be too much difference to how we played last year. We’re possibly going to be a little more structured in how we play through the middle.

“Tai has a strong game plan that he has implemented and all the boys have bought into it.”

Which sides pose the biggest threat this season?

“I think the competition, as per usual, will be very strong. I don’t think there are any question marks around how good GPS rugby is. How good it is to watch and how exciting it is for the boys. 

“It’s also important to remember that these boys are still kids playing school sport. They aren’t professional athletes. 

“From what I’ve seen in the trial period, Toowoomba look really, really strong. Probably the strongest that I’ve ever seen them. 

“They are well led. David Enfantie, the Director of Rugby up there is very clever and they’ve got a good coaching group. 

“I think Toowoomba will be right up there. Nudgee are the perennial favourites and there is no reason to think why that will be any different this year. 

“BBC built the foundations of a really good side last year when they were very young. The results that they had last year probably didn’t reflect the work they were doing in building their side, so I would think they’ll be right up there again. 

“Churchie will also be strong. 

“Then it’s going to come down to who turns up and executes each week when it matters.”