Shute Shield 2020: Southern Districts training interrupted by Covid 19 testing
No matter what happens this week Southern Districts’ preparation for their Shute Shield match against Sydney University is going to be a lot less testing than last week.
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Southern Districts coach Todd Louden is certain his charges will tackle Sydney University on Saturday better prepared than before their match against the Two Blues.
Louden this week revealed the interrupted preparation his team had for the Shute Shield which involved mass testing for COVID-19.
Concerns over the virus also saw four lower grade games cancelled after Sydney Uni advised a dozen of their players were forced into self-isolation and mandatory testing after being in a COVID hotspot venue.
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Louden said a number of players at the club were feeling off and displaying some symptoms so decided to err on the side of caution and get tested.
“We did have 21 players get Covid tested,’’ he said.
“They were just not feeling well and has some symptoms so we wanted to rule it out.’’
Self isolation while waiting for the negative results meant the team barely trained last week.
This week they want to be at their best as they bid to be the first team to take a win off reigning Shute Shield champions Sydney University.
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As keen to prevent it is Sydney University coach Michael Hodge who played under Louden when he was coaching the Students.
“I know Todd will have them so fired up, he’s a great coach,’’ Hodge said.
“It will be interesting going up against him, well definitely have a beer after the game.’’
The Students emerged as the team to beat from the opening round and have now beaten Warringah, Manly, the Hunter Wildfires and Penrith in their opening four outings.
Southern Districts, with the bye in round two, are also undefeated with wins over Eastwood, Penrith and the Two Blues.
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