The Bull Sharks head to UQ for the final round of the Queensland Premier Rugby home and away season.
Colts 1 must win to secure a spot in the finals while the Premier Women are looking for a strong performance to bed down the game style for their premiership defence ahead of next week's major semi-final.
The Premier Men are out of finals contention but will be determined to retain the Brailsford-Brown Cup they won at The Canal back in round 9.
Premier Women
The last time they met:
Rd 9, 2024 season at The Canal
Bond won 38- 5.
On reflection: It is always a good game between Bond University and UQ because of the long-standing rivalry between the two clubs. We got the upper hand over them last time and their season ends on Saturday, but we cannot take this game lightly. There is still a lot at stake. They will want a strong finish at home and will be determined to try and disrupt our premiership defence.
Where it will be won:
I think if our forward pack can set a good platform, our talented backline can create enough scoring opportunities to get the result. UQ have talent out wide also so I think this will be the battle of the backlines.
Shuffling the magnets:
There are some selection headaches. The eight players who were away on Reds duties for our last game, minus Eva Karpani who is on camp with the Wallaroos, are available for selection. The girls who stepped up in their absence did a great job also so there is genuine competition for spots within the squad.
Ones to watch:
Zoe Hanna, who has been the form backrower of the competition this year, has taken a lot of confidence out of her debut with the Reds in Tonga and by being in that elite environment. We’re excited to see how that transfers back at QPR level. Mel Wilks in the centres will be important and Amali Hala will play fullback. She is one of the most exciting players in the competition.
The focus:
The final word:
It has been getting some consistency and cohesion in our training and nailing down our game plan ahead of the finals. This week is a trail run for the way we want to play in the finals.
The final word:
The result against Easts when we had all those representative players missing really showed the strength and depth of our program. Regardless of who is available or what is happening around us, that depth keeps us going. As we look towards finals we have complete confidence that whatever is going on the periphery, the players selected will represent the club really well.
With Grant Anderson
Colts 1
The last time they met:
Rd 9, 2024 season at The Canal
Bond lost 20-26.
On reflection:
It was a close game, we definitely weren’t at our best that day but a lot has changed since then and we are looking forward to this weekend.
The opposition:
They have been a little but up and down, but they have a lot of good footballers and are the type of team that if you let them, they can be very dangerous. They have high rugby IQ and they have got guys that work hard so we are under no illusions that they are going to be at their best this weekend and we have to make sure we are at our best. It is do or die for us and we have to make the most of us.
Where it will be won:
Once again it will be the boys up front. That’s where the game will be won.
Shuffling the magnets:
We will be shifting Rocco Gollings to full back. There is an opportunity for us to get him back there. He is dangerous with the ball, and we are expecting a lot of ball to end up down there. He is the main change.
Ones to watch:
Ieuean Cornelius is the one. We’ve been waiting for a big game from him and hopefully he can finish off some good movements out wide.
The focus:
The focus is to be really physical this weekend and to look after the ball. We were a bit guilty of giving away possession last week. So, maintaining possession and building pressure will be the key.
The final word:
It is basically a final and anything can happen in a final. I expect a game of really high quality as both teams are even on the points table. So, it is going to be a good game.
Premier Men
Last time they met:
Rd 9, 2024 season at The Canal
Bond won 31-28.
The opponent:
We have the ability to win, we just have to bring the right attitude and application. It’s difficult because we know it is our last game of the year, but we should still be able to put on a display that we are proud of.
Shuffling of the magnets:
There will be a few lineup changes, but these won’t be decided until after Thursday. We will be looking to make a few changes out of necessity and injured players coming back.
Ones to watch:
Hopefully, the whole forward pack pull up their socks from last week. We did have two of the Reds players last weekend but unsure until Thursday regarding availability and injuries.
The focus:
We have to demonstrate an improvement in attitude.
The final word:
Hopefully we can put out a performance that we are proud of for our last hit out.