We’re halfway through the 2024 Hospital Cup regular season and while defending premiers Brothers have jumped out to a lead at the top of the competition ladder, things are pretty tight below that.

As the second round begins, we spoke to all nine Hospital Cup coaches to get the inside word on how things are looking in their camp and what each club is expecting in the months ahead.

Next, Easts, Souths & Wests

Read More: Mid Season Reviews – Brothers, GPS & Norths

Easts with Simon Craig – 8th (3 wins, 5 losses)

How would you describe your first half of the season?

“It’s been a very interesting first round with all teams still capable of making the top four at the halfway point,” Craig told Rugby News.

“Obviously Brothers are the front runners and deservedly so, but it’s tight after that.”

What do you need to improve on in the weeks ahead?

“We need to improve to stick to our game plans and systems for longer periods of matches. When we do that we’re a formidable side and tough to deal with. When we don’t we struggle to compete.”

Who is the most influential player in the competition and why?

“The most influential player in the comp is Finn Prass at Brothers,” Craig said.

“He can crush a team by turning them around 70 odd metres with his booming boot.”

Which four teams will play finals this year and why?

“Brothers, Souths, Wests & Easts,” Craig predicted.

“Brothers are currently in front and I don’t see any signs of that changing.

Souths are playing hard tough footy and they’ve got some players to come back from rep duties that will only add to that.

“Wests will also get an influx of players that will make them stronger.

“For us, we still believe we are good enough and the playing group continues to work hard. We will also get some players back from injury that will add to our list.”

Souths with Garrick Morgan – 2nd (5 wins, 1 draw, 3 losses)

How would you describe your first half of the season?

“We’ve had a positive start to the season and we’ve still got a lot of improvement is us, which is pleasing,” Morgan told Rugby News.

“We’ve had our ups and downs through the first half of the season and I think we’ve learnt from them and now we’re excited to rip in in the second half of the year.”

What do you need to improve on in the weeks ahead?

We need to be more consistent in certain aspects of our game. One major one we’re looking at is being more efficient when we enter a teams scoring zone.

We’re getting in to good positions but we know we can score a lot more points if we’re a little more clinical.

Who is the most influential player in the competition and why?

“I’d have to say Harry (McLaughlin-Phillips),” the coach said of his young flyhalf.

“I can’t imagine that he isn’t going to be picked in the Australian U20s squad, so we’ll lose him for a few weeks, but we’ve built some cover there (at flyhalf) and will look forward to him giving us a boost in the run towards the finals.”

Which four teams will play finals this year and why?

“I said Souths and Brothers at the start of the year and I still have the same feeling now,” Morgan said.

“In saying that though, it’s still really tight across the competition and if any team goes on a run, they could push up the ladder pretty quickly and that might change things.”

Wests with Elwee Prinsloo – 3rd (5 wins, 3 losses)

How would you describe your first half of the season? 

“We started the season strong in terms of results, but we’ve faced significant challenges.

We’ve had injuries in key positions and we’ve lost a couple of crucial players after they picked up “medical joker” contracts overseas and that has tested our depth. 

“However, these challenges have also presented new opportunities for other players, which has been beneficial from a development standpoint.

“We’ve had to rely on several colts players, something we haven’t been able to do in previous seasons due to the gap in experience and skill.

Thanks to Phil Mooney’s excellent colts program, we’ve had the confidence to integrate these young players when needed.”

What do you need to improve on in the weeks ahead? 

“There’s plenty for us to work on but the most crucial areas are restoring consistency in our set piece and improving our kicking game.

“These two components have caused us unnecessary pressure in games.”

Who is the most influential player in the competition and why? 

“Identifying the most influential player is tough, as several have been pivotal for their respective teams,” Prinsloo said.

“Kye Oates has been outstanding for UQ, Brad Hemopo has been massive for Brothers and Liam McNamara has brought Sunnybank back into finals contention.

“Matt Gicquel has also done an exceptional job leading GPS from the front as captain and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has been crucial in directing Souths from the fly-half position.

“If I had to pick one, it would be Harry McLaughlin-Phillips. There’s a notable difference in Souths’ performance when he plays.”

Which four teams will play finals this year and why? 

“I’d like to think we’ll be there and we could be joined by anyone from Brothers, Souths, GPS, UQ or Sunnybank.”