There was a changing of the guard at Yoku Road last summer with a heap of experienced Premier Rugby players calling it a day. 

New coach Sio Kite inherited a young, talented Jeeps squad and seems confident his players still got plenty out of this season, despite missing the finals. 

Overview with Sio Kite:

“No, it certainly wasn’t the season we were hoping for,” Kite told Rugby News. 

“There were a handful of key moments in games where we couldn’t execute and that cost us, which is disappointing for the club. 

“Probably the biggest takeaway from the review we’re going through at the moment is the age and the athletic profile of our playing group. 

“We lost a significant amount of experience last off season and that left us with three relatively experienced players and then a heap of young guys in their early 20s.

“Some of them have been around for a few seasons now, but they are still really young. 

“This year was important in the development of those players and our team and I think we’re well placed now to take the next step and get back to where we want to be. 

“Matty Gicquel had another great season and deserved to win the Alec Evans medal. He’s super important for us and is really helping with the development of our younger guys. 

“But over time we want those guys to step up and bridge the gap between him and the rest of the squad because at the moment, he’s clearly our best player and the best player in the competition.”

What is the focus at GPS between now and round one next year? 

“We’re going through a review at the moment but obviously we need to try and retain the core of the playing group from this year. 

“Then we’ll look to add a few new pieces and also try to fast track the development of a few of our colts who look really promising. 

“A few names that jump to mind are Stuart Tualima who was with the Rebels, then we’ve also got a strapping outside back in Joe Doljanin and a few exciting young props. 

“They all play important positions and can play a big role next season.”

Which of your players do you expect to push on next year? 

“Nick Baker is the obvious one. He keeps getting better and better after captaining the Australian U20s a few years ago,” Kite told Rugby News. 

“Our tighthead prop Pete Halapio also has a lot of potential and he’s still only 21. He’s had a few injuries that have slowed his development a little but he worked his way into shape through the year. 

“With a really solid off season behind him, I think he could really push on and take some of the carrying load off Matty (Gicquel) to support the team.”

What can we expect in 2025? 

“We want to be a tough, gritty rugby side that also gives the ball a bit of air. That’s the DNA of Jeeps and that shouldn’t change. 

“The biggest thing for us moving forward is consistency. This season, our consistency probably cost us a few tight games so if we can turn that around, I think we can push up the ladder and back into the top four.”