After a rocky start to this year’s season of the 2025 Pepsi Capital Rugby Union, Supreme Industries Harlequins premier team has hit its stride, overcoming significant challenges to build impressive momentum heading into the finals.
After their recent win last weekend of round fifteen against the SWG Enterprise Valley Hunters, they now look ahead to maintain the standard that they have accomplished so far this season.
Despite a challenging start to the season, an impressive turnaround was also attributed to the successful establishment of new team combinations which now sees the team currently sitting number three on the ladder.
The season kicked off with the departure of several key players, including national representatives including brothers Caleb Nipal and Eddie Nipal, as well as others.
According to Head Coach of Harlequins premier team, Mr. Billy Rapilla, these players moved on to programs either overseas or joined the Digicel ExxonMobil Rugby League Cup competition, leaving significant voids in the team’s line-up and leadership group.
“We had to really revamp and try to build confidence in the guys that we replaced within the grades that are below the premier grade and try to bring them up and give them an opportunity to obviously take those roles.”
To compensate, the team strategically pulled up talent from younger grades, including A grade, B grade, and the Under 20s.
“This influx of new, often younger, players necessitated a period of rebuilding and integration.”
“We’ve had to build up combinations with them and obviously get them a little bit more structured in how we play up at the senior grade.”
Despite the initial hurdles, the past two months have been a blessing, with the team responding exceptionally well to training and fostering strong cohesion.
Mr. Rapilla said that the current success is built on a foundation of trust and commitment to the club’s program, with new players grasping their opportunities and contributing significantly to the team’s improved form.
Looking ahead, the team has clear and ambitious goals for the remainder of the season. The primary objective is to win all remaining matches and secure a top-two spot on the ladder.
“This strategic position would provide a crucial direct path to the grand final, which remains the ultimate aim; ‘Our overall goal is to win the competition.’ However, the team remains realistic about the challenges ahead. They acknowledge that opposing teams are equally hungry for wins and will undoubtedly bring their best. Mr. Rapilla also emphasized the need for continued readiness.
“We’re obviously not side-tracked by the fact that they’re going to come hard at us and try to win their games as well.”
The team’s focus will be on maintaining confidence in their established processes, sticking to their effective game plan, and managing their performance effectively during matches.
Furthermore, Mr. Rapilla extended he and the team’s gratitude to their dedicated supporters who consistently turn out each weekend, and to the loyal sponsors whose backing has helped the club shine both on and off the field.
Meanwhile, the team has so far won a total of ten games, with 3 losses and two draw matches with three more games to go before the finals.
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