After winning the competition in 2022, a new look Sydney Uni side started their 2023 campaign with a dominant victory in the Australian Club Championship. 

But the Students struggled to be at their best consistently throughout the regular season and ultimately fell short of reaching the playoffs. 

Overview with Damien Hill:

“It certainly wasn’t the season we were hoping for this year. We would have liked the same finals structure as last year because if we snuck in, you never know what would have happened but it was very disappointing to miss out on the finals,” departing coach Damien Hill told Rugby News. 

“There were a lot of factors that impacted our season. I think last year, we found a way to win a lot of tight matches and this year not enough of the tight moments went our way. 

“We also had a pretty high turnover of players across our spine and in key positions and the number of changes we had impacted our season. 

“When we lost tight matches, out error rate was far too high. You can probably put that error rate down to cohesion levels but still, there are no real excuses. 

“It wasn’t the season we wanted but the positive is that second grade were able to win their competition and our first grade colts got pipped at the posts and a number of those players will come through which bodes well for the club. 

“It’s a very young competition in comparison to what is was in the past. There are a lot more players heading overseas to play in a wide range of competitions so it’s a very different Shute Shield to what it used to be.”

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

“I don’t think much needs to change. The training they do, the effort that they put in, it’s all very strong. 

“I don’t think anything needs to change but I think with the coaching staff getting refreshed, hopefully it creates some positive energy.”

Is there a player at your club ready to take the next step in their career? 

“Max Von Appen played most of the season at No.8 in second grade and I think he’s got a massive future. He ’s only 20, 21 maybe and is a very good footballer. 

“I’ll also be interested to see how Tommy Morrison develops over the next few years.”

What can we expect in 2024? 

“Uni will bounce back. I think the finals system goes back to eight teams next year and if that had of been the case this year, I think our season could have finished very differently. 

“If it goes back to an eight team finals series, then every side is in with a chance and I think Uni will certainly be up there.”