Despite winning their final five competition matches, two losses early in the season cost Joeys a shot at the GPS title.

Coach Greg Thompson will unveil a new look squad in 2026, with just a handful of players returning from last season.

Overview with Greg Thompson: 

“Things are looking promising but probably more so than any season before that I’ve been involved in, there’s plenty of unknowns,” the veteran GPS coach told Rugby News. 

“The way Easter fell this year meant the school holidays were quite different so we didn’t get to play as many trials. We hadn’t played an external trial until two weeks ago. 

“I’d say most teams will be a little underdone in the early rounds, but everyone should end up better for it at the backend of the season when hopefully the competition is still up for grabs. 

“Last year was a missed opportunity but full credit needs to go to Riverview, who were a terrific side. 

“In saying that, in our first match against them, we had plenty of opportunities but just couldn’t convert them.

“They found a way to win and deserved to be premiers. I was happy with how our guys finished the year and it was good to beat Riverview in that second fixture.”

2026 Squad: 

“We’ve got four or five boys back from last year. The remainder of the squad is largely made up from last year’s very good 2nd XV. 

“Sometimes, too much experience can actually hurt you in schoolboy rugby. Debutants bring energy and enthusiasm and we’ll have plenty of that this year. 

“We obviously won’t have Justice (Taumoepeau) who had been one of the key figures in the side for the previous three seasons, but that opens up the opportunity for new players to lead the group. 

“Overall, I think we’ve got a good balance.”

What style of rugby will we see from Joeys? 

“It’ll be a continuation of the style Joeys’ teams have always played,” Thompson said. 

“We’re lucky to have 800 rugby players at the school who spend most afternoons playing touch footy together on the back oval. 

“You’d be crazy not to lean into that and let the boys play the way they naturally want to play.”

Who is the team to beat? 

“I think we’ll know a lot more about this year’s competition after the first two rounds. Obviously, there isn’t as many trial form to look into, but we play Kings and Riverview first up and they are always tough matches. 

“I don’t think there’s necessarily a favourite at this stage and if there is, I can’t pick it.”