The NT News predicts the 2020-21 Darwin A-grade rugby union season

WITH the 2020-21 Darwin A-grade rugby union competition now underway the NT News predicts the layout of the table come the end of the season.

The Darwin Rugby Union A-grade sides are all gunning for the 2020-21 title. Picture: Che Chorley

WITH the 2020-21 Darwin A-grade rugby union competition now underway the NT News predicts the layout of the table come the end of the season.

Two-time premiers Darwin Dragons are already underway with a win, while last season’s minor premiers University Pirates are yet to start their campaign.

The 2020-21 season is sure to throw more than one surprise with each team eager to prove a point and capable of beating any of the others on their day.

1. DARWIN DRAGONS

Fly-half Braden Cunningham passing the ball off to Drew Tobin, who has returned after missing much of last season with injury. Picture: Che Chorley

THE Dragons are already underway in the 2020-21 season with a 25-19 win over their grand final opposition, Casuarina, in the opening round and can only improve from there.

Last season saw the Dragons get off to a meagre start and by the end of the season they had risen to premiers despite finishing the regular season in fourth.

Captain Drew Tobin has returned from injury and three-time Eric Johnston Hirini Murfitt is fit and ready to pull his side to the top once again.

Aaron Smith, Euan McKillop, Brayden Cunningham and Mickael Becat-Narbey are others in the squad to look out for in a side eager to take out a third premiership in as many seasons.

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2. UNIVERSITY PIRATES

Fly-half Robbie Butcher is instrumental to University Pirates’ on-field success. Picture Glenn Campbell

THERE will be a want for revenge among the Pirates after a disappointing end to their 2020 season.

The University outfit went undefeated through the regular season before a resurgent Dragons contingent sent them packing in the semi-finals.

They will be eager not to let that happen again and will once more be gunning for the title with stalwart Robbie Butcher directing them across the field.

And if Pirates can call upon their forward power once again through their senior players such as Wise Sekitoga and Ben Parkes they will be a tough side for anyone to beat.

3. CASUARINA COUGARS

Forward Daniel Jarmen for Casuraina Cougars will be looking to move the ball around in the 2020-21 season. Picture: Che Chorley

AN opening loss to Darwin Dragons won’t be seen as too much of a setback for the Cougars at this stage of the compeition.

Perhaps the most consistent side of the 2020 competition, besides Pirates, last season’s eventual runners-up are probably still feeling the pain of missing out on last season’s title.

But they’re back again with Joe Albert still at the helm as coach and ready for another strong season in the wet.

They’re down Ryan McMurray, who was a livewire last season, but the likes of Shane Crowley and Trey Crowley will step into that void.

Simaika Salaa is another to watch out for in the backs while the forward pack will also be looking to move the ball around to catch their opposition by surprise.

The hunger from last season is still there for the Cougars, only enhanced by their last-second loss in the grand final.

4. SOUTH DARWIN

South Darwin’s Zac Burge wants his teammates to return to their pragmatic game plan that worked early in the 2020 season. Picture: Che Chorley

SOUTH Darwin is a hard side to place. It was the most dynamic side at the start of last season but after the COVID-19 lay-off it lost much of its momentum.

Admittedly the side suffered from playing alongside the NRL NT season with players having to choose between the two.

If it plays as it did at the start of the season it will be almost unbeatable. If not, it might suffer.

Jone Vakacegu and Nasoni Rokobiau will be vital for the side’s success with their hard running lines.

Setefano Cakaunivalu at fullback is also a necessary component with his ability to counter-attack. Get him firing and Souths will be eyeing a high finish.

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5. PALMERSTON CROCS

Captain Kendall Quakawoot will be looking for a stronger performance from his men in the 2020-21 season. Picture: CHE CHORLEY

THERE’S very little splitting any of these A-grade sides and Palmerston’s narrow 5-3 loss to South Darwin is proof of that.

But the Crocs still have plenty to prove following a disappointing 2020 campaign, with the only direction being up for them.

Captain Kendall Quakawoot is vital to their success and it will be down to him to lead his side to success in the 2020-21 season.

The return of halves Baden Ford and Kurt Collie will take some weight of his shoulders and add direction, while Karl Reiher is back up front.

If all the cogs start turning and the squad sticks together they should have a strong season.