Behind the Ruck

Tales from the Halfway House: Gordon

It’s fair to say that last season was a year to remember for Gordon. And 2021 was ticking along rather nicely as well before back-to-back defeats either side of the mid-season break left them looking over their shoulders as they began the run home. Lock Jack Margin runs the rule over his side’s title defence so far…
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Tales from the Halfway House: Penrith

Penrith broke a seven-year drought with victory in the derby and have caused many other sides problems in the first half of the season as they look for sustainable improvement. Loose forward Mathew Faoagali takes us through the campaign so far, and the expectations for the rest of the year as their biggest challenge looms off the field…
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Tales from the Halfway House: Randwick

An impressive 2020 seemed to set a resurgent Randwick up for even better things this season. But it hasn’t quite gone to plan so far, and they are left with an uphill climb if they want to taste finals footy once more. Skipper Mitch Short runs his rule over the campaign so far.
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Tales from the Halfway House: Manly

Flanker Harry Bergelin has been a stalwart of the Manly club for almost a decade. So who better to run Behind the Ruck through the Marlins difficult season so far, and how they turn the corner…
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Tales from the Halfway House: Warringah

With the 2021 Charter Hall Shute Shield having paused for breath last week, Warringah centre Tyson Davis takes us game-by-game through the Rats first half of the season.
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2011 Flashback: Cipriani not enough as Rats outmuscled by Manly

Manly have maintained bragging rights on the peninsular after a 32-15 victory over a Warringah side that featured Danny Cipriani on debut
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Try-machine hooker adding Moore power to the Students

Scoring tries off a lineout maul is not exactly a recent invention. But it is the number being scored by the player blazing a trail at the top of the Shute Shield charts – Sydney University’s Declan Moore – that is raising a few eyebrows.
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SRU Statement regarding Shute Shield Participation Agreement

Statement from SRU President Phil Parsons regarding the draft Participation Agreement
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2011 Flashback: Wicks down bonus point Rebels to break home drought

Randwick have held off the challenge of a fast-finishing Southern Districts to claim their first home victory of the season, winning 37-30 at Coogee Oval.
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From the sheds… Sydney University v Warringah

Post-match reaction from Sydney Uni’s 45-12 win over Warringah with Robert Taylor, Michael Ruthven and Jack McCalman.
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2021: The Big Kick-Off – Warringah

Posted on April 16, 2021 by Paul Cook One comment

After an underwhelming 2020, head coach Michael Ruthven embarks on his second campaign in charge determined to restore Warringah to the upper reaches of the ladder with a hungry young group.

Club Rugby

2021: The Big Kick-Off – Gordon

Posted on April 10, 2021 by Paul Cook One comment

Exactly how you go about backing up a stellar season such as that enjoyed by Gordon in 2020, is the challenge awaiting new head coach Brian Melrose. Shorn of several of last year’s heroes, can the shrewd veteran knit together a fresh crop of contenders to defend their title?

Club Rugby

2021: The Big Kick-Off – Sydney University

Posted on April 10, 2021 by Paul Cook One comment

After what was a disappointing season by Sydney Uni’s standards having bowed out in week one of the finals, two-time Premiership winning head coach Robert Taylor is back from a stint in the UK to help them try and reclaim their throne in 2021. Given his pedigree, you wouldn’t bet against him completing the hat-trick…