There is an inevitable sense of déjà vu as I sit down to write this piece. Trying to put together as positive a story as possible on Penrith – in spite of their parlous position at the foot of the Shute Shield ladder, their lack of wins on the board, lack of players through the grades, lack of sponsors, and lack of money as a result – is a challenge I have taken up pretty much every year I have been covering Sydney club rugby.

And so, another promising young lamb, or in this case, Western Sydney Ram, leaves the flock in search of greener pastures. But while I can be nothing other than thrilled that Southern Districts’ utility back Paul Asquith has finally picked up a full professional contract, the news does bring with it plenty of nagging frustration that his well-deserved jump to the next level will take place on the other side of the world.

Sitting in the unusual position of seventh on the ladder before kick-off, Sydney University knew that a home win over West Harbour was a virtual must if they were to keep pace with the top six. But they were facing a Wests side that are slowly showing the benefits of the guidance of former Uni head coach Todd Louden, and also had the confidence of a win over the Students just a month ago.