By MARK CASHMAN

Last season was all a bit of blur for Hunter Wildfires coach Scott Coleman and his fledgling Shute Shield outfit.

COVID-19 and all its ramifications and a four-week lead in to the season meant that it was always going to be one of those years.

Throw in two decades away from the cut and thrust of the Sydney competition and you’ve got one of those sandwiches they talk about when things aren’t going to be easy.

The season delivered only two wins (should have been three in many peoples minds) and a draw - as well as five bonus points - but they did finish ahead of the Western Sydney Two Blues and Penrith and consistently matched many sides with their approach to the physical stuff.

Numerous times they were well in the contest with higher placed teams but fell away in the final 20 minutes of games when fitness and skill execution went under the blow torch.

As ‘Bubba’ says they took their licks and tried to learn about what it takes to be a successful club in Sydney.

“Our biggest aim this year is to put some genuine credibility into the Wildfires jersey,” Coleman said.