Bull Sharks to battle Eagles at the Canal

By Jordan Hughes 

Round 14 sees another crucial clash for the Bull Sharks as they tackle Norths Eagles at The Canal. It’s becoming a matter of win at all costs for Bond with only five weeks remaining until finals. 

The Bull Sharks agonisingly went down to Wests last weekend 20-15, with the home side leaving plenty of opportunities out on the field against the Bulldogs.  

LAST TIME THEY MET  

It was round five when these sides last met, with in-form flanker Connor Pritchard scoring two tries in the 38-13 win. 

Since 2014, these teams have met 16 times: Bond currently holds a 14-2 winning record over the Eagles, Norths last win came in 2017. 

TEAM NEWS 

Bond will head into the clash with a strong squad for coach Grant Anderson to select from. 

Versatile Irish enforcer Matt Dalton made a successful return from a knee injury last weekend and will be pushing for his starting jersey.  

Bond is likely to be bolstered by Queensland Reds front rower Zane Nonggoorr who is due to return from a knee injury. 

WHERE IT WILL BE WON 

Bond University attack coach Damon Virtue says it’s all about capitalising on their chances. 

“Last week we definitely created enough opportunities, it was just the finishing touches that needed a bit more polish,” said Virtue. 

Norths, who secured their first win of the season last week against Easts (24-21), will be motivated to go back-to-back against Bond. 

“We know they will come here with some confidence, we are preparing really well, it’s just about us and getting those finishing touches and if we do that, we can put some points together. 

“I think the key is just our own skills in the A-zone and when we get those opportunities we need to come away with the points and be more ruthless in those situations,” said Virtue. 

WHO TO WATCH 

“Joey Fittock and Jayden Ngamanu have been fantastic over the last few weeks, and I think they will be important to us, but our game managers need to step up, I think we need to be better in that space and I expect our 9 and 10 to be strong this weekend,” said Virtue. 

MATCH DAY INFORMATION  

Watch the main action live on Stan Sport, or better yet head to Bond’s rugby fields.  

First Grade - Saturday 3:05pm –The Canal  

Second grade -Saturday 1:30pm – The Canal  

Third Grade – Saturday 10:50am – The Canal  

Colts one - 12:10pm – The Canal  

Colts two – 9:30am – The Canal  

Premier Women – 4:50pm – The Canal