Waratahs utility Ben Volavola will be one to watch for Souths in 2015 – Photo: Karen Watson

by Jim Webster –

When identifying which are likely to be the top teams in the Intrust Shute Shield this season, everyone invariably includes Southern Districts.

They certainly have very strong momentum coming off their impressive run into the grand final last year, but they would now seem to have even more reason to be present when the premiership is decided later this season.

Their depth of talent runs deep. Their third-grade team also reached the semis and, for the first time in the club’s history, all three Colts teams qualified for the playoffs.

“Souths has spent a very busy off-season trying to build on this strong platform,” says the club’s rugby director, Sean Murphy, “and we believe the club is in line for one of its finest seasons ever.”

For starters, the coaching staff has a new look.

Head coach Matthew Barr has returned. Jim Williams, the World Cup-winning Wallaby and forwards coach in 2008-2011, is also present as the forwards/breakdown coach, while Brett Gallagher returns from a stint in Western Australia to replace long-standing defensive coach Dale Robertson.

But the changes haven’t stopped there.

Captain and Waratah Jed Holloway returns to lead what looks like being an extremely big, but mobile, pack enhanced by some major off-season recruits.

These include Sam Lousi, a new Waratahs signing from the New Zealand Warriors NRL side. At 198cm and 125kg, Sam is a hard-running lock who has fitted in well to rugby. Fillmore Tufui has also been recruited from New Zealand’s ITM Cup competition. ‘Fili’ is another large package, a 195cm, 120kg lock/backrower who will add even more size, muscle and mobility to Souths’ pack.

Max Holland is a Sydney-born front-rower who is returning home after growing up in New Zealand. He comes to Souths from the North Harbour ITM squad.

These exciting recruits will join returning players Kieran Black, Marcus Carbone, Jake Douglas, Jono Hayes, Andrew Leota and Cameron Betham, giving Souths one of the most imposing packs in the competition.

Behind them is shaping as one of the more exciting backlines in the Shute Shield.

Ben Volavola (Waratahs), Apo Latunipulu, Ben Connolly, Denny Godinet and Dewet Roos will be joined by Australian Sevens players Paul Asquith, Alex Gibbon and Atieli Pakalani. Also returning from a stint in the United Kingdom is Jordan McGregor, while Waldo Wessels is back from injury.

The Colts teams have similarly been generously enhanced with many destined to be among the next generation of superstars.

While Albert Hemopo (Australian Schools, 2012) and Brandon Paenga-Amosa (NSW Schools, 2013) remain eligible for Colts, Matt Teki (Sydney Colts leading points-scorer last year) is moving into the grades, along with numerous other talented youngsters, providing the club with the depth that has eluded it in recent seasons.

All told, Souths are going to be very hard to topple in 2015.

Their rugby director says, quite understandably, that “we aim to be at the forefront of Sydney rugby.

“Over the past few years we have not only become title contenders, but also a club with one of the best conversion rates for Super Rugby players.

“We have no doubt that some of our current players are in line for higher honours and, as a club, we will do our utmost to get them there.

“We are extremely excited about our prospects for the 2015 season and look forward to the challenges that lay ahead,” says Murphy.

He was also very grateful to all of Souths’ sponsors and supporters for their commitment and is expecting some big crowds at Forshaw Park this season.