Sunnybank were right in the mix in the first round of this year's Hospital Cup season but struggled to close out tight games.

The Dragons won one and drew two of their first eight matches, then lost four more games by nine points or less.

Coach Rob Roiri thinks the time for excuses is over though and seems confident his side is on the up.

With strong depth across the grade, colts and women's programs, there's plenty to be positive about at Sunnybank.

Overview with Rob Riori:

“When we look at this season in the context of our five year plan, 2024 was always probably going to end up the way it did,” Roiri told Rugby News. 

“If we had of won a few more games and slipped into the top four, it probably would have masked some of the issues we’ve got at the club. 

“We need to improve the connection between the juniors and seniors at Sunnybank, that’s a big work-on. 

“But we also need to look at the competition. I’ve been around for a while now and I think the competition is a lot stronger than it’s been in a number of years.