Sydney Uni outlasted Gordon in last year’s grand final to claim their third Shute Shield premiership in five seasons.

Coach Sean Hedger left after that victory to return to his family in Far North NSW and 15 players from last year’s top squad have also either retired or moved on to higher honours.

It’s a serious challenge for returning coach Damien Hill to overcome, but if any club can do it, it’s probably Sydney Uni.

Overview with Damien Hill:

“We’ve got lots of fresh faces at the club. Lots of young kids pushing up from colts and a lot of really talented second and third graders who are looking to earn a spot in first grade,” Uni coach Damien Hill told Rugby News. 

“Like last year, there’s a lot of change. But if you have the mindset that we are a development club and part of our role is to help prepare players to take the next step in their careers, then it’s great when you see it happen. 

“The difference now compared to when I coached the club last time (from 2007-2010), is probably the amount of turnover we have each year. 

“If your playing group is changing, it becomes even more important to stick to the fundamentals of your game and that’s what we’ve done over summer. In a way, that helps keep it simple and then it’s about utilising your time together to get the best out of the new group. 

“It was great to help out the guys and Hedge (2022 coach Sean Hedger) last year. They had some really, really close games throughout the year and more often than not, they were able to find a way to win. 

“I think that grand final performance was a good reflection of the group’s effort and consistency throughout the year. 

“The Australian Club Championship win was another good result considering the conditions. We went up and back to Brisbane in a day and it was a really hot day up there. 

“The young guys that took the field were fantastic. Young Joey (Fowler) and Jullien (Caillol) were great in that last 20 minutes so that bodes well for the future. 

“That’s what the trial period is all about. Giving young or less experienced players a chance to show what they can do, then working really hard after that to develop cohesion.”

Ins: Ed Scragg (London Irish), Jack Lloyd (Bristol Bears).

Outs: Jude Gibbs (Norths), Henry O’Donnell (Norths), Angus Bell (Manly), Eddie Poolman (London Irish), Ciaron Loh (Kyuden, Japan), Charlie Hancock (Western Force), Sam Talakai (Melbourne Rebels), Tom Horton (Western Force), Mitch Ryan (injured), Rohan O’Regan (retired), Mitch Whiteley (retired), Ben Hughes (retired), Banjo Travers (retired), Will Goddard (Irish 7s), Lewis Holland (retired), Hamish Dunbar (retired).

What style of rugby will be see from Sydney Uni this year?

“I think conditions really drove a lot of what we did last season and I think it’s still important to have the ability to transfer pressure on to teams through your kicking game. 

“But we also have the skill level and the desire to take advantage of space and attacking opportunities when they present themselves on the edges and in the backfield. 

“If we can get the fundamentals of our game right and provide a clear message to the players each week, then we will give ourselves a good base to play from throughout the year, regardless of the conditions.”

Player(s) to watch: 

“Sione Taufui played mostly in second grade last year. He’s a young inside centre who has played his way through the grades at Uni. He’s had a great preseason and had some really impressive touches in our first few trials. 

“I think Angus Allen at No.6 could be in for a big year. He’s a big, athletic backrower who I hope will form the backbone of this forward pack moving forward. 

“Young Max Von Appen, Zac’s younger brother, has trialled in first grade and looked really good. I’m not sure where he’ll end up this year but he’s been impressive so far. 

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

 “You want the two best teams over the season to be going at it in the grand final and our aim is for one of those teams to be us,” Hill said.