The Bull Sharks’ tilt at a third Queensland Premier Rugby title has been boosted by the return of injured star centre Gabriella Rivers.
The Hong Kong International missed the majority of the season due to two broken wrists but fought her way back to play enough games to qualify for the finals series.
The 22-year-old, who featured in both Bull Sharks’ premiership winning teams, is contracted to the Hong Kong Women’s national 7s team and is often called up to the national 15s squad.
It was on 7s duties in Hong Kong that the two wrist injuries occurred – the right was in club rugby in March and the left in an international game in April.
Despite her initial plans to sit out this season because of the injuries, the Bond Law student found it hard to resist the call of her coaches and teammates.
She had both wrists surgically repaired in May, was in casts for three weeks, and then walked straight back to the gym in a bid to make a return for the Bull Sharks.
Having received the all clear from her physio, Rivers made a return to the Bull Sharks and has shown enough, despite her limited preparation, to earn a place in the side for Sunday’s Grand Final against Easts at Ballymore.
“I did everything I could to play because I love the Bond Girls and our coaches,” she said.
Rivers found her way to the Gold Coast in 2021, having zeroed in on Bond University as an opportunity to advance academically and athletically.
Fast forward three years and she has all but graduated, having recently completed her final exams for a Bachelor of Laws.
“I moved for study; the law program here is really good.
“It’s quick but intensive and I knew that Bond was very sport and athlete centred school,” Rivers said.
“So, I thought it would be the best opportunity to have an overseas experience studying but also keep in touch and continue playing back home for Hong Kong.”
Juggling her studies and Bull Shark sporting commitments may have been a lot for one person to handle, but Rivers did it all while also heading home from time to time to complete her national team duties for both 7s and 15s.
“I joined the Hong Kong rugby program right before I left and part of the agreement was being able to come back and play as much as I can,” Rivers said.
“I mostly played sevens, my contract is with 7s, but I go back home to play both 7s and 15s as much as I can while juggling study here at Bond.”
Despite her excitement about lacing up her boots this weekend, Rivers has acknowledged the pressure of getting back out there for such an important game.
“It’s a lot of pressure.
“I feel a little under prepared having not played a full season, but I know all the girls have worked really hard and I just have to do as much as I can,” she said.
“Hopefully I can make positive contributions in the final.
“The final will be a really interesting one.
“There’s been a lot of tension all season so I’m excited to see how it plays out.”