It’s been more than a decade since Paul Hardwick last took the reins of a NSW Suburban Rugby representative side.
Now, he’s set to spearhead ‘Subbies’ first ever Buildcorp Australian Rugby Shield campaign in Newcastle - kicking off Wednesday October 1.
Learn more about the 2025 Buildcorp Australian Rugby Shield.
Securing a men’s ARS berth is a major coup for both NSW Suburban Rugby and Rugby Australia with ‘Subbies’ drawing upon one of the largest registered players pools in the world.
“I know the Subbies’ board have been trying hard to reinvigorate the rep program so it’s a great opportunity for us,” Hardwick told rugby.com.au.
“I coached Subbies back in 2014 and the program ran for about seven months with Kiama Sevens, curtain raisers for Tests matches and all that.
“During Covid our rep program fell away but I was thrilled to throw my hat in the ring for this.
“It’s the first time Subbies have been invited to the Shield and we want to make sure we go in there with the best possible side and good representation from across our union.
“We’ve got fantastic teams and talented players – it’s very tribal but playing rep rugby is a great way to break down those barriers and celebrate Subbies culture.
“We’ve already had a few wider training sessions and we’re already seeing people realise just how many good people there are across all our clubs.”
‘Subbies’ have been drawn in Pool B South Australia, Australian Defence Force and reigning Shield holders Queensland Country.
Hardwick has named a stacked squad headlined by a healthy crop of players from Kentwell Cup premiers Hunters Hill and beaten grand finalists Blue Mountains.
“Hunters Hill won every game and Blue Mountains were going for a three-peat so we’ve got a fair few from those teams, plus the likes of Petersham and Uni NSW," Hardwick said.
“We had 228 players nominate for the rep program and we’ve got a good spread right across our Subbies divisions.
“It’ll be quite condensed – we don’t have much lead in time but I guess everyone’s in the same boat – so we’ll get four or so sessions in and we’re all really excited at the opportunity to play in the Shield.”
NSW SUBBIES SQUAD: Tom Callaughan, Lachie Camroux, Josh Christy, Nick Doyle, Maniseal Fekitoa, Nick Hall, Cooper Henwood, Saiyasi Ikanidrodro, Bryn Jago, Charlie Kassapian, Graham Kondek, Max Lindsey, Zac Lomas, Alex Lynch, Stuart Martin, Steve Morton, Rhys O'Donnell, Ben O'Sullivan, Rama Pattison, Taylor Phillips, Sam Reimer, Lochie Robinson, Ollie Rossi, Pegi Slade, Samisoni Toganivalu, Amos Viiga, Mason Wheelhouse, Elijah Wilson Haira
