By MARK CASHMAN

Gordon coach Brian ‘Billy’ Melrose would love to get an even break on the injury front as the Shute Shield hits the halfway mark.

A total of 17 Highlanders have made their first grade debut in 2021 and often the side has managed to find a way to win when they probably didn’t deserve to.

But as Melrose has said this season is all about this group – not the one that won the Shute Shield last year under Darren Coleman.

Here are ‘Billy’s’ thoughts at the halfway mark of the competition:

ALL THE NUMBERS

Played 8, won 6, Lost 2

Points For: 285

Points Against: 155

Differential: 130

Ladder position: Fourth on 29 points

How would you describe your first half of the season? 

We have had a rocky ride with a lot of change and evolution in the team. A total of 17 guys have debuted so it’s great to see players pushing through and competing well at first grade level. We are not at our peak but we are in the race .  

Who has been the standout player so far? 

Tom Silk has continued to impress. I don’t think he knows how to not give it everything. I’m not sure about being the standouts but youngsters like Will Bremnar, Ben Pollack and Mike Pavlakis have done really well to date . 

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

We made very few mistakes in our best and a hell of a lot in our worst . 

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

It’s no secret there are a few guys in the injury ward. If we can get even luck in that department I’m happy with our squad 

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

There are a number of good squads and at this point no one really knows how many additions from pro level will come back into the opposition teams. How that balances out and availability of best players will determine a lot. 

IMAGE: ANDREW QUINN / GORDON RUGBY