For the final edition of the 2025 Hospital Cup mid-season reviews, we chat with Souths coach Ramma Chand and Sunnybank halfback Cody Mitchell. 

Souths with Rama Chand – 4th (5 wins, 5 losses)

How would you describe your first half of the season?

“Up and down,” Chand said. 

“At times we have looked like a side that can be title contenders and other times a team that’s just making up the numbers. We started strong with wins and faded a bit through the middle of the competition with some close last-play losses.

“Ultimately we weren’t good enough in those games and our depth in group was and is tested which is great for us as a club and team.”

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

“Our accuracy and persistence to play 80 mins of rugby. We know we can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the competition, so it’s doing it week-in week-out and with persistent Souths performances.”

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

“Flynn McDermott (UQ). He is a player with real x-factor but highly competent in his functional role as a halfback – he adds a point of difference to the UQ side every time he plays and often keeps them in games.”

Which four teams will play finals and why?

“Easts, Brothers, Souths and Wests,” he said. 

“Easts and Brothers are front-runners and the most consistent sides. Wests seem to be hitting their straps after a slow start and will be dangerous come finals footy time, likewise for us if we get our game right. On the day we will be very hard to beat.”

Sunnybank with Cody Mitchell– 9th (2 wins, 8 losses)

How would you describe your first half of the season?

“Up and down,” Mitchell said. 

“We had one week on, one week off in terms of the performances. Now we are trying to focus on finding consistency.”

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

“Closing out games. We get ahead, then let teams back in. So just keeping teams on the back foot for the whole game.”

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

“Joe Fabish (Wests) number seven,” he said. 

“He has come across from Palmerston North from the Manawatu Turbos system. He’s a strong ball carrier and a tough body to get to the ground. 

“He is really hard to defend at the break down. He gets over the ball six times out of ten and wins it back. His efforts off the ball are huge, making 22 tackles in his debut against Souths a few weeks ago. He’s a seven to look out for.”

Which four teams will play finals and why?

“Brothers. They are too hard to beat and they are so good at closing out games,” he said. 

“Easts will be there. They play boring rugby but good rugby and they win, and that’s what counts. Wests will get in there. They had a slow start but are starting to string wins together.

“The fourth spot will be Sunnybank. We will clean sweep the rest of the competition; we are confident we can get there with the playing group we have.”