Photos: Brenden Hertel & Kev Nagle

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.

Brothers with Brendan Gabbett:

5th position: 22 pts; 4 wins, 1 draw, 3 losses

How would you describe your first half of the season? 

“With so many new faces in the squad, plus our  Reds and Junior Wallabies players missing, we’re in a transition stage.  We’re comfortable with how we are progressing though and when you look at the average age of our squad, there are exciting times ahead,” Gabbett told Rugby News.

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

“We recognise that with such a young group of players, we are going to make mistakes and get things wrong.  Our best football is probably an 8/10 and our worst football is about a 4/10. The challenge for this group is to strive for consistency so we can get more 8/10 performances.”

How does your squad look for the backend of the season?

“Hopefully with the Reds finishing up, we will see a couple of players return but we will also lose some exciting Junior Wallabies when they head into camp.  Injury wise we were hit hard early on in the season but expect some key players to return in the second round.”

Which two teams will play in this year’s grand final? 

“It’ll depend on the inclusion of rep players at certain clubs but hopefully we are one of them.  Uni are obviously well placed to make the grand final after an outstanding start to the year.”

Souths with Todd Dammers:

6th position: 19pts; 3 wins, 5 losses

How would you describe your first half of the season? 

“It’s been sporadic, we’ve had some good performances and some really disappointing performances,” Dammers told Rugby News.

“We have been in a winning position in every game and been unable to take the step required. With that being said, the growth in the squad has been pleasing, we just need to be more consistent.”

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

“At our best we have challenged the top bracket of teams, but at our worst we have given too many easy opportunities to teams. Our focus remains on being a more consistent threat in round two.”

How does your squad look for the backend of the season? ? 

“Injury wise we have a few guys starting to trickle back in, we would be no different to every other team in the comp though. Our club depth is a great deal healthier in 2021, so we are excited about that.”

Which two teams will play in this year’s grand final?

“UQ. They’re the standout team. They are well coached and have a great squad with plenty of depth,” Dammers said.

“Brothers are also a chance. If they can break into the top four in round two, I think their cattle will be hard to hold out.”