By Jon Geddes

GORDON coach Billy Melrose has revealed loyalty to the Highlanders’ players was instrumental in his decision to return to the job after sensationally resigning in the lead-up to the start of the Shute Shield.

In an extraordinary turn of events, not only did Melrose resume his duties the day before the opening game against Souths, but Matt Glascott returned as club president replacing Brad Harrison.

After guiding Gordon into last year’s grand final against Sydney University, Melrose’s dramatic exit was a bombshell that risked blowing up the club’s 2023 campaign.       

Now Melrose has opened up to Rugby News about the support that moved him to change his mind and how the Highlanders are getting back on track after the pre-season “shemozzle” which saw them starting the season “a fair way behind the eight ball”.

“There was a lot of turmoil,” he admitted. “It was never about me verses anyone, some things in the club were not quite aligned and I stood aside.