Photo: Brenden Hertel

We’ve reached the halfway point of the 2021 Premier Rugby season and while UQ and GPS sit clear at the top of the competition ladder, just one win separates the next five teams who will battle for the final playoff positions.

As we approach the backend of the season, we thought we’d check in with the coaches to find out how they think their seasons have gone so far and what they’re expecting in the months ahead.

We asked each coach to describer their first half of the season, about the difference between their best and worst performances, how their squad is looking for the backend of the season and which two teams they think will play in this year’s grand final.

UQ with Mick Heenan:

How would you describe the first half of the season?

“We have been consistent without being totally happy with our performances,” Heenan told Rugby News.

“It is hard to be too critical when we are sitting on top of the ladder but we have a good sense of what we need to do to be competitive at the back end of the season and we know we have some work to do to get our performances to a level where we can be confident about our prospects.”

What’s been the difference between your best and worst performances so far this year?

“When we have the right mentality around our defence and contact we usually play our best footy and our skill execution follows. The nature of the game, particularly as the competition heats up at the end of the season, is that it won’t always be free flowing and you need to be able to adapt your game to suit.”

How does your squad look for the back end of the season?

“Connor Vest will be back in round 12 after his knee surgery and he is an important player for us,” Heenan said.

“It is always good to get a few representative players back in Premier Rugby as it generates a lot of interest. We will miss some guys (Kalani Thomas, Will Roach, Mac Grealy) to the Junior Wallabies for a couple of weeks which will be a good experience for them. Of course injuries can always play a role at the back end of the year but we are in good shape.”

Which two teams will play in the grand final?

“Uni and GPS have been the most consistent. A lot can change though and Wests, Bond, Brothers and Easts will get some players back which will make them dangerous so I won’t be discounting any of them.”