Stung by a shock elimination last season, University of the Sunshine Coast is determined to re-emerge as title threats in the Sunshine Coast rugby union competition.
The Barbarians went from within touching distance of the minor premiership to an early exit in the finals, when stunned by underdogs Maroochydore.
The fade-out remains etched in the memories of the coach and players, and will be used as motivation for this season.
“We had an opportunity to finish as minor premiers and had a 14-0 lead against (champions) Noosa but threw that away, and then bowed out against Maroochydore,” coach Brad Tronc said.
“We had an off day (against the Swans), and nothing went our way, and we’re pretty disappointed with how it ended after putting ourselves in a good position.
“We thought we were big threats to win the competition, but it didn’t unfold the way we envisioned, that’s for sure.”
He said Barbarians learned from their experience.
“Maroochydore turned up and played good football and we weren’t up to the task on that day, and I think a bit of complacency might have set in.”
“We had a pretty good roster and I think the boys thought maybe they just had to turn up to win it … that wasn’t the case.
“It (the sudden exit) is a driving force.
“We wish we could have played again the next day and it probably could have panned out differently but sometimes you’re not given a second chance.
“We didn’t earn the right to get a second opportunity so that is a driving force (to finish be on the ladder).”
One benefit of finishing fourth last year was that they could go into this year’s six-team competition somewhat under the radar.
“We’re going as the fourth-ranked team and that sits quite comfortably with me,” Tronc said.
“There’s not the hype of expectation. The only expectation is from ourselves. We know what we can achieve.”
The Sippy Downs-based outfit has a significantly new-look squad, retaining just 13 of last year’s 23-man squad.
Many have moved for work, retired or have young families.
It’s hoped players from USC’s strong reserve grade and under-20s teams can step up to first grade in 2021.
“We’ve tried to build within and some guys who have worked hard during the last couple of years are going to get opportunities,” Tronc said.
They still boast dangerous backs Rawiri Wilson and Matt Lieder, along with tough forwards Mitch Porters and Luke Kimber.
“We’ve got the nucleus of players that I’m comfortable we can build a good side around,” Tronc said.
Wilson is leading the way when it comes to commitment.
With newborn twins and a three-year-old, he initially said he would not play in 2021, but Tronc said the 31-year-old will hit the field for one more season.
“That sort of commitment is great,” Tronc said.
“He’s an experienced campaigner and he’s got nothing to lose.”
Tronc said there “will be no easy games” this season and he rated Noosa the team to beat again, after they triumphed in three of the past five years.
“Going by the players they’ve retained and who they have been able to recruit, they are the favourites again.”
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“I think Caloundra will be up there again, and I expect Wynnum and Caboolture to bounce back from last year.”
The competition will consist of 15 rounds and a four team-finals.
The Barbarians, who will travel to Caloundra in Round 1 on Saturday, are chasing their first premiership since 2015.
They lost to Caloundra in the 2018 decider. It was Tronc’s first season as coach at the Barbarians after playing for years at the Lighthouses.
The five-team colts competition and seven-team women’s competitions will also kick off this weekend.
The nine-team reserve grade competition started last weekend.
Sunshine Coast Rugby Union A-grade opening round
- Maroochydore v Noosa at Cotton Tree, April 10, 3.30pm.
- Caloundra v University at Caloundra, April 10, 3.30pm.
- Caboolture v Wynnum at Caboolture, April 10, 3.30pm.
