Way too Early ISA Rankings:
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St. Augustines:
It would be inconceivable to overlook the reigning champions as the prime contenders for the premiership title. With star talent spread across the field, and an exceptional leader in Joe Walsh, arguably the most promising young player in the country, they are a formidable force.
Their preseason preparations have been strong, with challenging matches against some of the world's elite teams at the SANIX Tournament. This rigorous preparation has undoubtedly allowed them to refine key positional combinations, setting them up for immediate success in the upcoming trials and the ISA season.
The forward pack is both powerful and technically adept, while the backline boasts explosive speed and flair, with a player at every position from 9 to 15 capable of game-changing performances.
The question on everyone's mind is whether they will remain unbeaten throughout the ISA season. With such a potent mix of talent and preparation, it will take an almighty effort to halt their dominance.
Oakhill:
Oakhill will undoubtedly be on a mission for redemption this year after virtually gifting the Premiership to Augustines on their turf during their own Gala Day last year. The lingering disappointment was palpable throughout the school in the weeks that followed, and it's that sense of unfinished business that is likely to motivate these young men from Castle Hill to rise above recent history.
The team boasts depth across the cohort, providing a safety net in the event of injuries. However, their success this season will depend heavily on their ability to shake off those sluggish starts we've observed in the early trials, but also be able to be resilient and muscle up when things are bound to not go their way in a long ISA season.
With this in mind, expect a focused and formidable Oakhill team as they enter the ISA season, driven by determination and the desire to correct last year's missteps.
St Patricks:
Mitch Woods and Alex Conti.
It might seem unfair to the rest of the team, but Pats' Premiership aspirations ultimately hinge on these two players. Their partnership, honed in the SG Ball competition with the Bulldogs, should be sharp and seamless as they approach the ISA season.
Last year, Pats were just one upset away from clinching the title. This year, their hopes of winning it all rest on the forward pack establishing a solid platform, giving Woods and Conti the space and opportunity to work their magic.
If the entire team plays their roles and Mitch Woods and Alex Conti step up during crucial matches against the top contenders, there's no reason the Premiership can't make its way back to Strathfield.
Ultimately, success will depend on teamwork and the ability of these two stars to shine when the stakes are highest.
St Pius:
St. Pius might just deserve the label "Favourites"—a true wildcard, where we can't quite predict what we'll get from them - just like the Chocolate box.
Although the team sheets lack big names, that might actually work to their advantage, a true underdog story this could be. What seemed like a surprising win against Cranbrook could be a sign that this team has found its stride come 2024. This impression is bolstered by their dominant performance against Aloys, where they scored an impressive 57 points, suggesting a team capable of high-octane offensive output.
Following a lacklustre season last year, the boys from Chatswood might just be the ones to shake up the entire competition with an upset victory against one of the top dawgs. If they can maintain this level of intensity, St. Pius could become a team to watch, capable of turning the tides in the ISA season.
St Stanislaus’:
The lads from Bathurst—ISA's tough customers.
They're known for their grit and tenacity, though they often lack the finesse and flashiness of the top-tier programs. However, they're never short on spirit and are always up for a battle, refusing to yield even against the best in the competition.
Their passion is undeniable, making them formidable opponents, especially on their home turf. Any team that makes the long bus trip to Bathurst knows they're in for a relentless fight, regardless of their standing.
It's that fighting spirit that makes them a challenging draw in any match, no matter the odds.
Kinross:
An impressive start to the season with a solid win in their opening trial against The Armidale School. Two standout aspects emerged from this match:
- Offensive Prowess: Scoring 51 points demonstrates a potent attacking capability, suggesting they have the firepower to put pressure on the top three teams and test their defensive lines. Their ability to cross the try line with such consistency indicates that they can bring high energy and creativity to the field.
- Sturdy Defence: Shutting out the opposition and conceding zero points is no small feat in rugby. This level of defensive discipline indicates that these boys from Orange are not just about scoring; they're prepared to defend their territory with equal tenacity. It's a clear signal to other teams that they won't find easy opportunities against this squad.
These two factors combined make them a team to watch, both in attack and defence, as the season unfolds, leading me to believe they might be able to cause an upset on any team given they can do these two things for all 70 minutes of the game. Whether that is likely to happen or not is the question that we will have to wait for an answer to.
St. Gregs:
Details on Gregs this year are sparse. A 19-5 win over Shore's 3rds isn't particularly encouraging, suggesting that the rugby program at this predominantly league-focused school might not be as robust as others in the ISA. The victory margin doesn't instil much confidence about their prospects against stronger teams.
However, there's still hope that Gregs can bring the fight each week, pushing teams to their limits. If they can consistently show up with grit and determination, we might be in for some cracker games. The key will be for them to harness their energy and focus, proving that they can be more than just a footnote this ISA season.
