University Pirates eager to get off to strong start in 2020-21 rugby season against Casuarina Cougars

UNIVERSITY Pirates player-coach Robbie Butcher is looking for a strong start to the season from his side in Darwin A-grade rugby union action, as his troops gear up to take on Casuarina Cougars in Round 2 on Saturday.

University Pirates’ player-coach Robbie Butcher is hoping his side steps up once again for the 2020-21 season. Picture: Glenn Campbell

UNIVERSITY Pirates player-coach Robbie Butcher is looking for a strong start to the season from his team in Darwin A-grade rugby union action, as his troops gear up to take on Casuarina Cougars in Round 2 on Saturday.

The Pirates went undefeated through the 2020 dry season, but a loss in the semi-finals to eventual premiers Dragons will have them hungry for revenge in their 2020-21 campaign.

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“We’ve not had much of a pre-season due to the short break, but everyone is eager to get back into things,” Butcher told the NT News.

“No one up here has had a proper wet-season game in a while. Ball handling will be more important than it was, while discipline will also be a focus.

“Last season didn’t quite end the way we wanted, which was disappointing, but our focus doesn’t change. This will be a long season and we still have to turn up for every game to be where we want.”

Workhorses Ben Parkes and Wise Sekitoga make returns to the Pirates contingent and will once again be pivotal in gathering and retaining the ball.

Co-coach Matt Vitucci also makes a return to the side following an injury that saw him miss out on the closing stages of last season.

The Cougars will bring plenty of grunt themselves following a loss to reigning premiers Darwin Dragons in the opening round.

Daniel Jarman and Jarrod Northam will be crucial up front, while the likes of Trey Crowley, Shane Crowley and Simaika Salaa will add plenty of firepower in the backs for the Cougars.

“Casuarina like to try and move the ball around quite a bit while playing a structured type of footy,” Butcher said.

“They’re just a fairly organised side and having already played a game (against Dragons), they may be a little more ready than we are.

“We need to keep our discipline in defence and limit the amount of ball opportunities that they have and put the pressure on them.

“Our squad has been building for a while now, with plenty of guys putting their hands up for A-grade and young guys coming of age.

“So there will be a balance of experience and youthful exuberance in the squad.”

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Meanwhile, Darwin Dragons will look to retain their winning momentum in a match-up against South Darwin, while Palmerston Crocs have a bye.