The stage is set for a heavyweight showdown as second-placed Bond University take on third-placed Brothers in a round 8 blockbuster at The Canal.
The Bull Sharks, who went down to University of Queensland by just three points last week, take on a Brothers side full of confidence having fought back from a 15-point deficit in the final stages against Easts Tigers to win 32-18.
Both sides are locked at 21 points on the ladder and will be playing for a top-two spot. Â
Bond University defence coach Andrew Fraser said the team had taken some key lessons from last week’s loss to UQ.
“The big learning for us is we were in front, and we let the game slip and that’s just a mental aspect to hang on and keep taking the game from our opposition,” Fraser said.
The Bull Sharks will be keen to gain ascendancy in the scrum, which has become a strength for the side, led by new front rower Rhys Sheriff.
“Our scrum has been a cornerstone for us and that final penalty last week really showed all the work we have been putting into that aspect of our game,” said Fraser
Last time the two sides met was in round 8 of 2021 and the teams couldn’t be split in a high-scoring 43-all draw.
It was all about attack on that day, but Fraser believes defence will hold the key this time round.
“We know what Brothers are going to throw at us so we are just focusing on our game in sticking to our systems and executing what we want to do when it matters,” he said.
The Bull Sharks will have the added pressure of playing in front of a spirited home crowd filled with former Bond greats as part of Past Players’ Day.
Tickets for Past Players’ Day are still available. The first grade match kicks off at 3:05pm at The Canal or catch all the action Live on Stan Sport.