Scott Coleman’s Hunter Wildfires were one of several big improvers in one of the tightest Shute Shield seasons in recent memory. 

The coach was thrilled to see the new club take a big step in the right direction, but said overall they were dissapointed not to make the finals. After another full preseason, just their second in the new outfits history, the Newcastle side appear confident they can continue their improvement this season. 

Overview with Scott Coleman: 

“We’re in a much better position at this point of the season compared to where we were last year, so that’s always a positive,” Coleman told Rugby News. 

“We’ve retained the majority of the playing group from last year and then added a few talented guys, so we haven’t had to start from scratch. We’re adding to what we started last year and I think we’ve got a lot of development in us. 

“Last season was disappointing. We weren’t consistent enough and we made too many small errors. In a competition as close as this one, you can’t afford to do that. 

“In saying that, I think the guys learnt a lot from last season. 

“We’re not playing to compete or to gain respect anymore. We’re playing to win every game and we’re playing to win competitions. 

“We know what it takes now and we know where we fell short last season so I’m hoping on the back of a big summer, we can fix that and be a much more consistent footy team this year. 

“We’ve picked up Alex Pohla from Gordon who lives up this way and wants to play closer to home. He’s a really dynamic outside back and I’m excited to see what he can add to our team.”

2022 result: 9th

Ins: Alex Pohla (Gordon)

Outs: Lona Halaholo (Brisbane)

What style of rugby will we see from you guys this season?

“We’re looking to change things up quite a bit and build on the way we played last year,” Coleman said. 

“We were probably a little too one dimensional last year and too forward dominant. We’ve looked to mix that up a bit and play a more of an expansive style this year. 

“The biggest key for us though is consistency and patience. If we can be more patient, we’re confident we’ve got the ability to score plenty of points.”

Player(s) to watch:

“Obviously Alex Pohla. He was one of the most dynamic backs in the competition last year and I’m really excited to see what he can do in a Wildfires jersey. 

“Tommy Watson is another to keep an eye on. Connor Winchester at flyhalf was really good last year and I think he’s going to be better again in 2023. I’m expecting him to have a bit of a breakout season. 

“In the forwards, Donny Freeman is an absolute workhorse. He makes an enormous impact in every match he plays. 

“I’m also expecting big things out of our captain Rob Puliuvea. He’s a lot fitter than we was last year, so I’m expecting big things from him.”

Which two teams will play in the grand final this year and why? 

“As long as the Wildfires are one of them, I’m not too concerned who the other side is. 

“I’d say it’ll be us and Norths. Norths have retained the majority of their players and then recruited four or five big names. Zak (Beer) has been there for three years now and they’ve got a lot of their systems in place and plenty of depth within the club. 

“I think if we are there, we will have really earned it and I think the boys deserve it.”