Last week, Rugby News started its annual Hospital Cup mid-season reviews. It’s time to get the word on Bond, Easts and Norths. 

Bond with Mick Heenan – 5th (3 wins, 6 losses)

How would you describe your first half of the season?

“We are frustrated that we haven’t been able to string more wins together but pleased we are close to the four), which is probably a fair reflection of the closeness of all of the games we have played,” Heenan said.

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

“There are two things – we need to be able to front up physically and we need to convert our opportunities.”

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

“The way Easts are going, you would have to say Eli Pilz – he controls the tempo of the game so well for them.”

Which four teams will play finals and why?

“Easts and Brothers have been so consistent, it is hard to see anyone but them finishing top two. Wests have been the form team in the competition, and we have our nose in front for fourth but are under no illusion that we have to improve to stay there. (At the time of writing Bond are fifth).

Easts with Simon Craig – 1st (9 wins, 0 losses)

How would you describe your first half of the season?

“It’s been a great start to our year winning 9 from 9 and sitting on top of the table,” Craig said.

“A number of those games we were really tested, and the way we stuck to our defensive system and worked hard for each other was a testament to what we have done as a group off the field, so those moments are achievable.”

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

“Being more consistent with our game plans, reducing our error rate, and being more disciplined.”

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

“I think the most influential players in the competition are Alex Smit and Will Sankey from Easts. I know they are both our boys, but they have been playing great footy week in and week out.”

Which four teams will play finals and why?

“I believe Easts, Brothers, and Wests will be in the top 4 as they have proven in the first half of the season to be the most consistent,” Craig said.

“Brothers and Wests will get a big influx of Super players that will take them to another level. Us at Easts have a strong roster with lots of depth and have proven that so far. The 4th spot is still too close to call.

“Souths, Bond, UQ, and GPS still have plenty of opportunity to get there and will fight it out, so it will be interesting to see what happens.”

Norths with Dan Ritchie – 8th (3 wins, 6 losses)

How would you describe your first half of the season?

“Challenging but encouraging,” Ritchie said.

“This season has been one of the wettest in decades, which has tested our commitment to playing the expansive, attacking rugby our supporters love to watch. When we’ve adapted our game to the conditions while staying true to our attacking principles, we’ve produced some genuinely exciting performances. 

“The matches where we haven’t quite found that balance have provided valuable learning experiences.

“What’s most pleasing is seeing our young players step up – we’re significantly ahead of where we were at this point last year, and there’s so much more potential to unlock in this group.”

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

“Consistency is our main focus. We need to narrow the gap between our peak performances and our off days – when we get that right, we’re capable of beating anyone,” he said. 

“The exciting part is watching our young players gain confidence and experience at this level. 

“Many of our squad are 12 months more mature than they were last season, and continuing to develop these homegrown talents in the pressure of first grade is crucial to our long-term success as a club.”

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

“I’m obviously biased, but our halves combination of Connor O’Regan and Harry Langbridge has been exceptional,” he said. 

“They’ve orchestrated our highest-scoring performance of the season and are the key to our attacking game clicking. They’re both tremendous young talents with bright futures.

“Looking across the competition, Easts’ Eli Pilz deserves recognition – his tactical kicking has been the foundation of their ladder position.

“It’s a very different style to what we aspire to, but you can’t argue with results when the weather’s been suiting that approach.”

Which four teams will play finals and why?

“It’s wide open after the top two. Easts and Brothers have built enough of a buffer in this weather-affected season. Brothers have also done enough to be there,” Ritchie said.

“Below them, there’s only six points separating third through ninth, which means every team still has a genuine shot. 

“The second half of the season should be fascinating, especially if we get some drier conditions that allow the more attacking teams to really showcase what they can do.”