Shute Shield 2020: Western Sydney Two Blues ready to lift to new level
They earned the wooden spoon last season but coach Joel Rivers said things are on the up-and-up at the Parramatta Two Blues ahead of the Shute Shield start.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- 2020 Shute Shield Guide: Draw, TV, teams
- Son of league gun ready to roar in Shute Shield
- Big man of rugby wants to make big impression
Western Sydney Two Blues coach Joel Rivers is adamant he has the players at the Parramatta club to be able to hand off one of the most unwanted prizes in sport to a rival team this year.
Wooden spooners in 2019, Rivers has faith his players have the ability to lift themselves off the bottom of the ladder in the 2020 Shute Shield with a healthy dose of self belief.
SHUTE SHIELD: Manly looking to lift game
SHUTE SHIELD: Sydney ‘Uni-que’ set bar high
“We are already miles ahead of last year. The level of knowledge they have gained is great. The COVID-19 break was actually good for them in some respects,” said Rivers, back for his second year with the club.
“The goal is always finals. We can’t finish last this year. We have a team that shouldn’t finish last either.
“If they truly believe they are a good team we will get some good results. I’d like to be in the middle of the pack.”
The club was hit hard by a series of backline losses last season, including that of John Folau.
“This season we have 12 of the 15 that finished the season,” Rivers said.
“We have thrown in some new recruits and up-and-coming players but the core group has stayed together.
SHUTE SHIELD: The team out to surprise
SHUTE SHIELD: Patience a virtue for these fans
“I alway said it would take three years to get good results. That’s not a cop out. But it is going to take time.
“We have a lot of big players. I spent my time at Sydney Uni and Norths so I’m used to having big guys, but not this size.
“It has taken me a while to realise how to use them effectively. They have great hands and skills.”
ROUND 1 (July 18)
Warringah v Sydney University at Rat Park
Gordon v Eastern Suburbs at Chatswood
Southern Districts Eastwood at Forshaw
West Harbour v Northern Suburbs at Drummoyne
Manly v Western Sydney at Manly
Randwick v Newcastle at Coogee
BYE: Penrith