With preseason now in the bank, the Senior Men’s sides are excited to get the ball rolling with their first community rugby match of the season this weekend.
After starting preseason programs in October last year, the squad has seen an influx of new talent from all around the globe including some really exciting talent making their way across the Tasman for the 2022 season.
“The boys have come together really well in the last few months and the culture has really started to develop into a strong brotherhood,” said Head Coach Dave Usu.
This year brings new players, new challenges and new appointments as Malaki Enosa has been elevated to Backs Coach for the Dewar Shield, 1st XV Men’s side. Darren Dean has retired from active duty to join as the Forwards Coach alongside Venu Masina who has joined from the Junior program (Under 18s) as the Set Piece Coach.
Ben Swain and Morgan Lane return to take the Dewar Shield Reserves (development team) on the back of being undefeated in 2021 prior to the cancellation of the season.
Backs Coach Malaki Enosa said “Be on the lookout for Winger Taliu Tuia, who has been with the Wallabies Under 20s for their training camps. We have two star newcomers in Hooker Joe Cairns from Otago and Flanker Christian Sanele from Auckland, who have both been really strong in their preseason action.”
After having several unfortunate cancellations during preseason, including the annual Gold Coast trip, the Senior Men’s team were able to travel to Albury to play Wagga Wagga City and Albury in a trial match. As well as participate in the inaugural Rugby Vic 10s competition, which both the Colts and Senior Men’s teams took out the top honours.
This was followed up by a tough full day series against Moorabbin across all grades. And a final game against the Rebels A squad for our Dewar Shield team, which was a great litmus test for how the team will battle against the top competition this year.
A final trial series against arch-rival Harlequins prior to the Easter long weekend was a good chance for the team to hone their patterns and get one last hard hit out before they kick-off this weekend away at Endeavour Hills Rugby Club.
All Senior Men’s matches this weekend are away at Frog Hollow Reserve, Endeavour Hills:
Bolton Cup
12:00 pm Colts – Melbourne v Endeavour Hills
Mawhinney Cup
12:00 pm 3rd XV – Melbourne v Endeavour Hills
Penwill Cup
1:35 pm 2nd XV – Melbourne v Endeavour Hills
Dewar Shield
3:15 pm 1st XV – Melbourne v Endeavour Hills
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