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Last season’s theme for the Utah Warriors was ‘Locked and Reloaded’ which was reflected in a number of significant personnel changes. This season will see more stability but also the departure of some established names and a certain former Australia international.
2020 RECORD: 2-2-1 (2nd West, 7th overall)
HEAD COACH: This was meant to be Chris Latham’s second year in charge but he resigned in January leaving Shawn Pittman to step into the role. At just 33 he is the youngest solo Head Coach in MLR though San Diego’s co-coach Zack Test is nearly two years his junior. Another former Eagle, Shaun Davies, will be his second in command.
CAPTAIN: At just 21 years old Bailey Wilson will be the youngest captain in MLR history this season. Born in Australia, a Scotland u20 trialist, and eventual USA u20 captain, it’s been a winding road for the flanker just to get to this early stage of his career. Athletic and intelligent, there are undoubtedly Eagles caps in his future. Older brother Mitch plays for the Free Jacks.
STAR PLAYER: Acting as vice-captain from the fullback spot is Mike Te’o. He graduated from Junior All-American to World Sevens Series to the Rugby World Cup. A gifted attacker who despite his somewhat hefty physique has one of the best steps in the business – and he can do it off either foot. Arrived from the San Diego Legion during the off-season.
KEY DEPARTURE: The heartbeat of the forward pack and some-times captain, John Cullen has called it quits at the age of 30. Whether in the second or back row, the USA international had a rare mix of size, skill, and physicality to go with his leadership skills. His position has been filled but not his presence.
SMART SIGNING: Joining Te’o in making the switch from San Diego is Paul Mullen. The Eagles World Cup prop is an immovable object in the scrum and does his share of heavy lifting around the breakdown. Mullen gives Utah two international tightheads along with the established Angus MacLellan.
ONE TO WATCH: Getting a surprise start at flyhalf in the preseason match against ATL was collegiate draft pick Danny Giannascoli. The 23-year-old didn’t look out of place and while his playing opportunities may be limited in the regular season, his physique and siege gun left boot mark him as prospect worth keeping close tabs on.
STRENGTHS: The return of Lance Williams from injury boosts a potent loose forward group, and there are numerous big men for Pittman to choose from in the second row. Giannascoli is one of three excellent kickers available at flyhalf, and Utah could lose a half-dozen wingers and still cause problems with their strike runners out wide.
CONCERNS: Those electric wingers haven’t had as many opportunities as they should have in recent times. The departure of last year’s captain Dwayne Polataivao has left two comparatively inexperienced options at scrumhalf. Latham’s exit has heaped pressure on Pittman’s shoulders and it remains to be seen if the challenge has come a year too soon.
OUTLOOK: The Warriors were a mid-table side in the overall picture last season and though they have some excellent recruits, they have also said goodbye in equal parts. It suggests similar results this year. They will cause problems but the question marks are too great to expect a run at the playoffs this season.
