After learning from last year’s experiences, Ipswich Grammar have changed things up heading into the 2024 season and have trialled better than most have seen before.

First up though, they face defending premiers Nudgee at home this Saturday.

Overview with Russell Todd: 

“We have had a more consistent pre-season in comparison to last year and that has translated into some decent trial form and some good results which has been pleasing,” Todd, IGS Master in Charge of Rugby, told Rugby News.

“We have changed some processes this year and instead of doing a long camp, we have had a series of shorter mini-camps and had some different experiences along the way. 

“We took the boys out on country with a local elder to build more of a connection to Ipswich, which was a fantastic experience. We also had an NRL mental skills coach come in and work with the boys. We have tried to give them a more diverse experience on and off the field this year and the boys seem to have really enjoyed it. 

“Our coaching staff learned a lot around squad management last year, so have made a few changes to better utilise the whole squad this year and put a focus on load management across the entire Rugby program.

“We’ve been happy with our trial form. We had a close loss against a good State High team, then some good wins against Churchie, Toowoomba and BGS. 

“Then we lost to TSS in the final play of a match when we had 13 players absent playing representative Rugby. 

“We have got a lot more depth in the top end of the program compared to what IGS sides have had in the past few years, which is exciting.”

2024 Squad: 

“Our backline is still fairly young but three of those boys played as year 10s last year,” Todd explained. 

“They are back for their second season, whereas our forward pack is battle hardened. 

“We’ve got four front rowers who are in their second or third season of First XV Rugby and that will really help.”

What style of rugby will we see from Ipswich Grammar this year? 

“As we spoke about, we’ve got some experience up front and some youth in the backline so we’re hoping that our forwards can get us on the front foot and our young backs can help finish it off. 

“Everyone wants set piece dominance, it’s hard to win rugby games without it, so it’s important that we have experience in that area.”

What are you expecting across the competition this season? 

“Looking at the trial window, it looks as though it’s going to be a really even competition. I’d say BBC are showing the strongest form of all of us and are looking physical,” Todd said. 

“Outside of BBC, it seems as though everyone else has beaten each other from one week to the next, so it’s going to be tight. 

“We have been happy with our trial form and on the back of that, I think we’ll be in the mix.”