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.

Sunnybank with Sione Fukofuka:

7th position: 15 pts; 3 wins, 6 losses

How would you describe your first half of the season?

“It’s been an inconsistent start but one where we have learnt as a group. We started on a high, winning against Easts in round one and then followed that with performances that were competitive, but not for long enough periods to force a result.

“The past two weeks, we’ve performed much better at set piece and in attack, plus we’ve put out a more committed defensive effort.

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

“There’s a big difference between our best and worst. When we are playing well, we’re accurate, up tempo and enthusiastic.

“When we aren’t playing well, we’re inconsistent and inaccurate.

“Our challenge is to reduce the gap between our best and worst performances and compete week in and week out, regardless of which players are available.”

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

“We’re looking solid with the majority of the squad fit and a few players returning to the fold shortly.

“Hayden Sargeant is close, Josh Fenner is a couple of games away and Peter Lee will be back after the bye.

“Unfortunately, Lathaniel Tiatia is out for the season.

“We are hoping to welcome back Feao Fotuaika, if the Wallabies selectors don’t pick him for the international season, for his first game back in a Sunnybank jersey.”

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

“Based on the teams we have played; I would have to lock in UQ,” Fukofuka said.

“They have had the most balanced team and have the ability to go to another level in the second half that no other team so far has been able to match.

They most likely play GPS at this stage, although I wouldn’t write Brothers off. GPS have a strong squad to select from each week and have the set piece to pressure opposition possession. Their ability to score points is also a big plus.

“Brothers have found their rhythm under Brendan Gabbett and are playing with confidence. Add this to the fact that they are likely to get a number of Reds players returning, then I see them as a big threat.”

Easts with Mosese Rauluni:

8th position: 15 pts; 2 wins, 7 losses

How would you describe your first half of the season? 

“It’s been a very disappointing start to the season obviously with only two wins. We’ve had some close losses that could of went either way. Most games have been like that apart from the Uni match where we were dominated,” Rauluni said.

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

“Our game management hasn’t been great for most of the season. We haven’t been great at picking the right times to play and the right times to be a bit safer.

“That’s started to improve over the last few weeks though.”

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

“We get Jack Hardy and Richie Asiata back.”

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

“Uni are definitely the team to beat, Souths are coming home strong and GPS have good depth.

“Don’t write us off yet, we’ll be in the mix.”