The old cliché that footy is a game of two halves could have been written for Ed Lyons’ first season as a Bull Shark.
In the first nine games of the Queensland Premier Season, the Bull Sharks Colts 1 winger scored just one try.
The 20-year-old has been a revelation in the second half, scoring 16 tries over nine games, including multiple three-peats.
He carries that red-hot form into Saturday’s semi-final against minor premiership bridesmaids Brothers, with the winner gifted a valuable week off before the big dance.
“It’s going to be a physical game,” Lyons said.
“There’s always a strong rivalry between us and Brothers, and both teams feel like they are the best in the competition.
“The winner will definitely be given a big helping hand in the week off.”
Lyons’ father Paul is more familiar with the Brothers’ navy and white as a former player, but this weekend his loyalties lie firmly with the Bull Sharks’ blue and gold.
“My family still live in Melbourne but Dad’s a big footy fan, so they’ll be up to watch this weekend,” he said.
“Dad actually used to play at Brothers – he went to school at Nudgee and then played with Brothers and UQ, but he’ll be cheering for Bond this weekend.”
Already standing 191cm tall with an impressive vertical leap, the Bull Sharks’ number 11 may have had a successful career as a ruckman.
Growing up in AFL-centric Melbourne, Lyons had plenty of kicks with the Sherrin but he aways felt more at home with the Gilbert in his hands.
“Everyone in Melbourne grows up playing AFL, but my family are all originally Queenslanders, so rugby has always been a part of my life,” Lyons said.
“I loved the Melbourne Rebels growing up and used to go to all of their matches which made me love the game of rugby.
“In year 11, I chose to put all of my focus into rugby.”
After a stint in Canberra as part of the ACT Brumbies under 19’s squad, the northern sunshine beckoned for Lyons.
“I always had the idea to move to the Gold Coast, but I had some offers in Melbourne after leaving school,” Lyons said.
“It was watching the Bull Sharks last year that made up my mind - I knew the club offered a lot and when the opportunity came at the start of the year, I grabbed it.
“The weather in Queensland is obviously a massive improvement but the biggest difference in coming to Bond is the professionalism.
“Bond really looks after their players, and I know it’s a great place for me to develop my skills and hopefully continue on the path to a professional rugby career.”
Adam Fahey’s Bull Sharks were beaten just twice in the home and away Colts 1 season, one of the losses suffered at the hands of their biggest rival.
Lyons believes the losses, which occurred within the first six games, further solidified the Bull Sharks’ resilience.
“As a team, we are a tight group and it feels like we’re all on the same page,” Lyons said.
“We’ve learnt a lot this season and matured through the losses.
“When our backs are against the wall, we know we can go through it together.”
The Bond Bull Sharks take on Brothers in the Colts 1 semi-finals at GPS Rugby Club, 12pm this Saturday 15th August.