Preview – 2015 NSW GPS Championship

Kings

Kings have disappointed in recent years and had an underwhelming 2014 season when they earned the wooden spoon, although their 2nd XV won their competition. Even though their Year 12 cohort is about par and their Year 11s, promising, this may be a season for them to develop and gain experience for a push for the trophy in 2016.

But that thinking could change if they can perform each week as they did in their last trial match.

Trials

The Parramatta boys have been impressive and were convincing beating a reserve Oakhill side, though they lacked cohesion.

Next they dispatched St Stanislaus, who were fresh off a victory against Riverview, 32-17. Despite that nobody fancied their chances in their final trial, against 2014 Champions Scots last Saturday, but they whacked them 35-19

They were excellent in their structure in breakdowns and set pieces, and their backs showed quickness and composure to beat the favourites.

Players to watch

Nick Brown is a big hitting lock, tough to bring down and will be intimidating for other teams.

The Orpen Brothers, centre Matt and winger Chris, will look to combine their chemistry as they are both quick and damaging ball runners.

Summary

I’m sticking my neck out here but I’m thinking that the trial result last weekend was a one-off; however I will be quick to jump on their bandwagon if it wasn’t. Whatever – they will nudge ahead of Shore.

Prediction – 5th

Newington

They tied for the title in 2013, but went unnoticed in 2014 as they infamously lost to Scots by a record 101-0 margin before improving for a tight loss in the return game.

Trials

Newington’s form has been good, playing quality sides that included Waverly, Oakhill, Toowoomba and Riverview. During these trials their front row was impressive, and showcased some impressive scrummaging.

Against Waverley first-up they sneaked a 29-24 victory with some good signs, but needing more work; then they lost to Oakhill in a good effort. They played their first real trial dispatching Toowoomba Grammar School, and in their final hit-out they beat Riverview 31-17 after a dominant second half

Players to watch

Simon Kennewell is a outside back who is tough to bring down; he will challenge for a NSW representative position.

Sepesa Tarogi-Logi played for Australian Schools in 2014 and is back for his third year in the Firsts. He has a big body for a back and is quick off the mark. He was played in the centres a lot last year because he busts tackles and is hard to stop from behind when he does.

Cameron Murray is an exciting fly half or inside centre and can find something out of nothing through either passing or ball-running and his defence is excellent.

Summary

Newington will win some big games and could challenge for a podium spot, but will come up short.

Prediction – 4th

Shore

After they drew with Joeys, got close to Scots and beat Riverview towards the end of the 2014 season, Shore showed they could mix it with the big dogs of the competition and cause upsets.

Can they do the same in 2015?

Trials

Shore’s results hardly ever follow their trial form because they tend to improve during a season more than other teams do.

They beat defending CAS champions Cranbrook comfortably, although The Brook is heading for the wooden spoon in 2015 at the time of writing. They then lost by three tries to one an against an impressive St Augustine’s team in Shore’s favourite conditions—the wet and the muddy.

They didn’t show much when they under-performed in their final trial against Joeys last Saturday, but the Joe Boys will know that Shore will show up to play when they visit Hunters Hill in Round 5

Players to watch

Jake Hedge is a tough front rower who leaves everything on the field—a hard-working forward who plays with heart.

James Doyle is a returning First XV back rower, who is aggressive and adds glue to the team with size and experience, whilst being strong in the lineout.

Luke Rixon is a clever utility back who won the U17s 100 metre title recently in 10.83 secs at the AAGPS athletics carnival, amongst earning other accolades on the day.

Summary

Shore to upset some big teams in thrillers, but a slow start to the season will cost them.

Prediction – 6th

Scots

The defending champions have a formidable list of players returning to the First XV and are the favourites to win again.

They were undefeated in 2014 (without attempting a penalty goal), and it would not surprise if this recurred in 2015. Although they have a recent history of recruiting top players, the graduation of many of their best performers from last year may force Scots to change their structure and attacking tactics, which could ultimately lead to a loss.

Trials

Scots toured overseas again and reportedly had success in New Zealand. They often go unnoticed in trials, not playing the big CAS and ISA teams except for their annual Battle of Bellevue Hill against local rivals rivals Cranbrook. In that contest the 2014 GPS winner brushed aside the CAS champions looking crisp, and being structurally sound.

Despite being heavy favourites, just one week out before Round 1, they were defeated by The Kings’ School 19-35 last weekend. It was not a typical game from Scots as they were sloppy with the ball and were careless on defence.

They will be expected to address their faults during the week preparing for Round 1, but it has given a glimmer of hope to the other contenders.

Players to watch

Returning players – back rowers Max Girdler and Charlie Smith, lock Ryan McCauley, scrum half Theo Strang, flyhalf Dan England, and outside back Jake Prindiville, are all threats, and in different ways.

Girdler and Strang will push for Australian Schoolboys honours in their last year at school and the other four are expected to be chosen for GPS Ones at least.

Summary

Despite their surprise loss in their last trial Scots will be too strong for their rivals and will bring another title back to Bellevue Hill.

Prediction – 1st

Photos by Lee Grant – except where mentioned