Interesting views on the ladder position. I think NC are the clear favourites for another Premiership tilt with the rest playing for 2nd. However, having watched all the schools during the trials, bar TGS, I think the sleepers of the competition are ACGS and possibly BSHS as well as TGS.
If ACGS can keep there starting 1st XV injury free, they will cause some real problems for the top teams ie NC, BBC and TSS. I watched the ACGS vs NC trial and ACGS more than held their own IMO considering they were missing some key forwards in Crothers, Solofa and a couple of others who are injured. The ACGS backline look so much better when young Blanch plays and I think he’s one of there keys to a successful season. I believe NC were missing about 7 regular starters so they will be stronger again but I feel lots of the opposition coaches have worked out the NC way of playing, but easier said than done!
Overall, I feel the competition is going to be closer than people think - a bit like the Brisbane Colts 1 competition this year where most of the games have been hard fought and very competitive! Looking at Norths results todate, they’ve lost quite a few very close games and with a bit of luck, they could have been sitting 2nd in the ladder.
It promises to be a very good season of Qld GPS rugby!!
