We’re past the halfway point of the 2024 GPS first XV competition with Nudgee and Brisbane State High leading the way after five rounds. 

With plenty to play for in the final four weeks, we checked in with a few of the first XV coaches this week to get the inside word on each school’s campaign. 

Brisbane State High: 2nd (4 wins, 0 losses)

How would you describe the first half of your season? 

“We’re in a good position but we haven’t really played that well yet this season to be honest,” State High coach Steve Kefu told Rugby News. 

“We think we’ve got a lot more in us and we’re working hard with the boys to prepare them to execute better, particularly towards the backend of the season when things get really tough.”

What are you looking to work on in the back half of the season? 

“Discipline is a big one for us. We know that we’re the only public school and we’ve always been treated a little differently. So we need to be extra disciplined to keep things within our control.”

Who wins the competition? 

“We’re hoping it’s us, that’s for sure, but we’re not looking that far ahead,” Kefu said. 

“We’ve got Churchie this weekend, who are a very good side. Our players know and respect a lot of their players so that’s going to be a good challenge. 

“Nudgee are still the team to beat I think and they are still undefeated. But then they had a close win over Terrace last weekend, which shows how tight the comp is.”

Remaining matches: Churchie (H), Brisbane Grammar (A), Gregory Terrace (H), Nudgee (A)

Nudgee: 1st (5 wins, 0 losses) 

How would you describe the first half of your season? 

“We are happy with where we sit at the minute – being undefeated after five rounds,” Nudgee coach Andrew Scotney told Rugby News. 

“The team has shown a willingness to work hard and stay composed for the full game.  

“We’ve been behind in three of those games leading into halftime and the team has stayed calm and kept to a plan.”

What are you looking to work on in the back half of the season? 

“Our focus in the back half of the season will be on converting more of the attacking opportunities we are creating in the opposition’s 22,” Scotney said. 

“Quicker support to our ball carrier and better decision making by the ball carrier are our main work ons here.  

“Defensively, we are always looking to improve our tryline defence.”

Who wins the competition? 

“It’s going to be a tight finish as we all expected,” the coach predicted. 

“We have a tough draw with matches against Toowoomba, BBC and State High to finish the season. 

“We’ve got a bye this week then we are not looking past Toowoomba Grammar in round seven.

“They’ve got some talented individuals and as a team look like they are starting to click.  

“Any home game on Ross Oval is treasured by our seniors, so we’ll be looking for a big performance from our team after the bye.”

Remaining matches: Bye, Toowoomba Grammar (H), BBC (A), Brisbane State High (H)

Toowoomba Grammar: 7th (1 win, 4 losses)

How would you describe your first half of the season and why? 

“After a disappointing start, the last 2-3 weeks have been good for our group,” Toowoomba coach Scott Gale told Rugby News.

“We are learning from mistakes and getting better each week. The group is eager to continue to build and improve into the back half of the season.”

What do you need to work on in the back end of the season? 

“You can’t be up the top of the competition while conceding 4-5+ tries per game, so tightening up a few things defensively is an obvious improvement for us. 

“We also want to be mindful of where and how we are turning the ball over to the opposition.”

Who wins the competition and why? 

“It’s clearly very tight and it appears anyone can beat anyone on their day,” Gale said. 

“BSHS, BBC and Nudgee are all obviously very well rounded teams without many weaknesses and they will be hard to beat.”

Remaining matches: Gregory Terrace (H), Nudgee (A), bye, BBC (H)