Looking forward to the Tahs’ season? Nah, yeah

Strangely, despite everything (including COVID) I think I am looking forward to the Tahs’ season.

I could reflect on all the negative issues associated with the Tahs. For example, I was keen to head to the trial game in Bowral but that was cancelled, my low expectations of how they will perform this season, the ongoing shocking recruitment strategy of the tight five over the last who knows how many years. Maybe I can get caught up in the obviously dysfunctional front office at the Tahs, how the state with the most players cannot get it together or how they are obviously financially strapped.

Plus I could ponder why they let certain players go. I could wonder about the rumours that the players are not on board with coach Rob Penney. And sure, looking at the squad there are a few players I have never heard of and the average age is around 12.

That is an exhausting level of negativity of why not to look forward to the coming season. However, my philosophy is that the glass is always half full and my concerns over rugby and the Tahs are seriously first-world problems.

So instead of wallowing in self-pity, I thought it is better to consider the positives – so with some reference to the teachings of Tony Robbins, the Dalai Lama and a few positive affirmations mantras I relooked at the season ahead.

First up, I’m pretty excited about the change to Channel 9/Stan Sport. It is great (and weird) to see rugby being promoted on FTA TV as part of the Channel 9’s calendar of sporting events for the year. In addition, seeing Drew Mitchell chatting rugby on The Today Show. It’s already a different season.

While the squad is a mix of youngsters, journeymen and a sprinkling of Wallabies, the youngsters should be fun to watch. There are going to be some brain explosions, a few ‘why, oh why’ moments which will pain me, but just hoping they can play some exciting rugby and jag a win or two.

From a biased perspective, it’s terrific to see a couple of Marlins players in the squad and hope to see them get a run.

Nothing against the Rob Penney, but I have always been a fan of assistant coaches Chris Whittaker and Matt Cobain, so I will look forward to their insights during the season.

In the old Eddie Murphy/Dan Aykroyd movie Trading Places , there was a great line at the end: “Looking good Billy Ray.”

“Feeling good, Louis”.

While the home jersey hasn’t changed much (#skyblue), I can get around the Argentinian-inspired away jersey – so we will at least look good and feel good.

From a completely irrelevant perspective, the Tahs have an eclectic mix of sponsors (or partners) which naturally includes a pie, beer and rum. I have to say I am a fan and regular consumer of the beer sponsor and while I have never heard of the rum sponsor, I look forward to giving it a go to support the team.

Lastly, the season will be great for Tahs supporters’ personal development, the season will be an exercise in building resilience, positive thinking and knowing the sun will come up to tomorrow mentality.

Despite a touch of cynicism and sarcasm, in a strange way I am looking forward to the season. Maybe it’s like getting hammered by a huge wave – it hurts, you nearly drown but it was fantastic and out you go again.

Tahs’ season will be the same, a lot of pain, almost giving up and (hopefully not too many) hammerings but we will get out there again.