Bond University are preparing for their first finals appearance since 2020 and the chance to progress to the grand final as they battle the Wests Bulldogs in the major semi-final at Crosby Park on Saturday.
Last time they met
The Bull Sharks shocked the reigning premiers 32-17 on their home deck in round one but the Bulldogs got their revenge by taking down Bond 46-14 at The Canal in what was Bond’s only defeat at home this season.
Where will it be won
Front rower Rhys Sheriff has been instrumental in the Bull Sharks’ success this season and will take lessons learnt from the regular season into the Bulldogs clash.
“We have grown and developed as a team during the regular season but this Saturday is a new challenge. The boys are pumped and we can’t wait to rip in this week at training and be ready to roll come game time,” he said.
Their opponents are the reigning champions and will be looking to bully the Bond pack around the set piece.
“We must be relentless in everything we do,” Sheriff said.
“I know Wests have come out and said they have the biggest pack in the competition so we have to bring the physicality, especially at scrum time and be ready to front up to the challenge that awaits.”
For Sheriff and the majority of the Bull Sharks Squad this will be their first finals appearance in the Hospital Cup with only a handful of survivors from the 2020 campaign.
“I think for me personally it's about doing what I’ve been doing all year to contribute to the team, but at the end of the day it's just another game of footy with a just a bit more on the line, so we are excited to see what we can do,” he said.
The one to watch
The Bull Sharks line-up is full of superstars but one man who has been the backbone of the First Grade side for several seasons is outside centre Dan Boardman.
The former captain may not be the flashiest player but he does his job - and does it well. Look for Mr Consistent to stand up this weekend and play a big role in the match.
Premier Women
It is also a one-versus-two face-off for the Premier Women who take on the Sunnybank Dragons in another major semi-final.
Bond have fallen short against the Dragons on both occasions this season.
The first match went down to the wire as Bond fell seven
points short, 19-12. In round 13 the Dragons were too good and recorded a comfortable 27-7 victory.
Much like the men, the Bull Sharks will need to match the Dragons up front to take down the minor premiers and they have the explosive power to do just that.
Look for backrowers Zoe Hanna and Ebony Satala to continue their damaging form for the Bull Sharks, while mid-season recruit and Australian Wallaroo Eva Karpani is set to showcase her array of skills.
Game day timings
At Brothers Rugby Club
Premier Women v Sunnybank Dragons - 10:20am
First grade vs Wests Bulldogs - 3:10pm live on Nine Gem and Stan Sport