The Bull Sharks Premier Men are fresh off the bye and desperate to continue their mid-season resurgence against Wests while the Premier Women want to get back in the winners circle after a rare loss last round.
The Colts pushed the top-of-the-table Bulldogs to the wire last time and will be hoping to cause a major upset at Sylvain Road.
Premier Men
Last time they met:
Round 3, 2024 at The Canal
Bull Sharks lost 43-32.
The Bull Sharks started well before a horror lapse allowed Wests to rip the game away by scoring 38 points in a 16-minute period in the first half. The Bull Sharks fought back to score another try before half time and they actually won the second half, but that six try blitz by Wests effectively secured the win.
The opposition:
They are very professional outfit which means you have to be on your game for the entire 80 minutes. They will be bolstered by some Super Rugby players from the Rebels. These guys are big and athletic and if we make any mistakes, they’ll make us pay.
On reflection:
We are in a lot better shape than we were last time we played them. Our effort across both halves has been more consistent and we are reducing the amount of errors that cost us possession and give our opponents scoring opportunities.
Shuffling the magnets:
Nixon Tarami is back from a shoulder injury, and he will start at 8. This is the first week we have access to our Reds players, and we will welcome George Blake back into our pack. However, Zane Nonggorr and Angus Blyth are in the Wallabies training squad. It is an exciting time for Angus and everyone at the club is thrilled he has been given this opportunity.
New faces:
Our John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholarship recipient Jordan Lenac is unavailable due to a shoulder injury. Ben Anau gets his chance up in the Premier Grade.
With Mick Heenan
Premier Women
Last time they met:
Bull Sharks won 34-0
It was the Bull Sharks defensive pressure that secured the win. To keep a side like Wests off the scoreboard was an incredible effort. The tackling intent and technique were a high point of the game.
The opposition:
Wests have definitely improved since round three. And bolstered by the return of their Super W front rowers, have added a different dimension to their game. With speed and skill to burn out wide it will be a lot closer contest than our previous encounter.
Shuffling the magnets:
Mel Wilks moves back to outside centre with the return of Cobie Jane Morgan into 10. Reds lock Lucy Thorpe returns to the starting line-up.
One to watch:
Tyler Birch continues to impress at halfback having made the return to Rugby Union after a season with Burleigh Bears. She is strong with ball in hand, has excellent power and accuracy in the pass, and is a strong aggressive defender, I believe she is primed for a solid game behind a strong forward pack.
 The focus:
After the loss to Sunnybank, we have gone back to the basics of our style of play and will look to use the ball a lot more and not hand over possession. We are a dangerous team with ball in hand so it's a matter of getting back to what we are good at.
Final word:
We’ve had a reset for round two and the girls are keen to rip in and play some good footy.
With Shannon Symon
Colts 1
Last time they met:
Bull Sharks lost 28-24
We dominated through our scrums, this skill is something we have been working on through preseason. We were able to sustain momentum up front and we had them under pressure right to the end.
The opposition:
They are the top of the table for a reason. Their trademarks are being incredibly consistent and hard working.
Shuffling the magnets:
We’ll only be making one change this week. Kade Robson comes in at full back after some very strong performances in Colts 2.
One to watch:
We are after a big effort from our forward pack. The test will be up front, and we have challenged them all to rise to the occasion.
The focus:
We’re looking to be more accurate and to identify space through run and kick. And we have spent a bit of time on set piece.
Final word:
Make this the game of the round.
With Rico Gear.