August 18, 2022
Photo: Stephen Tremain
By Jordan Hughes
After a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of the University of Queensland, the Bull Sharks must regroup this week and stand up for their heavyweight fight with the Brothers in Round 17.
In late team news, Fiji Drua player Joseva Tamani will lace up his boots for Bond. The casual forward played for the Hunter Wildfires in Sydney’s Shute Shield competition.
Bond will take on Brothers on Saturday at 3:10 PM. The game will be broadcast live on the free channel 9Gem.
LAST TIME MEET THEM
Bond won the last time the two sides met in round 8 at The Canal, home field advantage resulted in a 26-13 win.
This time, the sixth-seeded Bull Sharks will be on the Brothers’ property at Albion’s Crosby Park, looking for another win over the home side, who are fourth on the ladder.
WHERE IT WILL BE WON
Brothers will be excited to come back after taking on Easts Tigers 24-22 in a thriller last week.
Bond Captain Dan Boardman understands their opponents’ motivations and what the Bull Sharks will have to produce.
“Brothers are pretty well rounded, but I think we can attack them in the forwards around our lineout, and then we need our backs to produce something similar to last weekend and maximize those strike plays,” said Boardman. .
The Bull Sharks struggled to keep their own ball against UQ, forcing Bond to defend for a long time and that is one area they want to improve.
“We just want to win our ball, so win our lineouts, our scrums and keep our ball. We want to cherish our property and build phases,” he said.
“If we win all our ball, fight when we don’t have it and nullify those mistakes, we’ll go a long way to win the game over the weekend.”
Boardman, who has been captain since 2019, has developed not only as a player but also as a leader, especially in dealing with those heavy defeats with the group.
“Obviously it’s hard to lose that close and we’ve done it a few times this season with UQ, Wests and GPS so it’s not like we’re far away but it’s a shame to go down like that in a match . We have shown how close we are to the best,” he said.
“It shows you how close the competition is and it’s positive to know we’re there and if we continue with the good and the bad, we still have a chance.
“I’m confident we can get a job done this weekend.”
TEAM NEWS
After the grueling performance against UQ, Bond is a nurse with many aching bodies, but most of the group made it through injury free.
The only major injury was sustained by substitute rower Tomas Grenon, who suffered an ankle injury.
With a positive boost, Bond welcomes Reds star Angus Blyth to the second row this weekend to add some extra weight up front.
The coaching staff are also hoping Melbourne Rebels-bound hooker Alex Mafi will make his long-awaited return after a number of injuries. Mafi will bring a lot of experience to the young front row.
IF WE WIN/LOSES
Both teams have everything to play for this weekend.
After the 85th minute defeat to UQ, the first division team has dropped to sixth place on 44 points. Mathematically, the Bull Sharks are still in the final chase if they can win their last two matches and achieve other results.
Brothers, who are currently in fourth place after descending to East Tigers, are also desperate for a win to hold onto the final final spot.
AROUND THE DEGREES
It’s a big game for Bond’s Colts One side, who are currently just outside the top four with 41 points, just one point behind fourth-placed Wests.
The Brothers Colts are currently in first place and if the Bull Sharks can cause a shock they could sneak into the top four next weekend en route to the final game of the regular season at The Canal.
BOND V BROTHERS ROUND 17 MATCH DAY INFORMATION
Saturday 20 August
Premier Women – 10:50am Crosby Park
Colts Two – 10:50am Crosby Park
Colts One – 12:10pm Crosby Park
Third Grade – 12:10pm Crosby Park
Second Class – 1:30 PM Crosby Park
First Class – 3:10 PM Crosby Park – Live on 9Gem
