It’s do or die for the Bull Sharks this Saturday as they take on Brothers for a place in the 2023 Hospital Cup grand final.
The Bull Sharks know they have to respond after their semi-final defeat at the hands of the Wests Bulldogs if they want to be playing in the decider at Ballymore next week.
Last time they met
Back in round 3, Brothers inflicted Bond’s first defeat of the season in a 27-17 result at Crosby Park but the Bull Sharks responded in round 12 at The Canal with a comprehensive 48-22 win.
Tyler Campbell scored two tries that day while winger Hamish Roberts collected 16 points of his own in the victory.
Where will it be won
Hooker Jack Winchester, who was one of Bond’s best at the weekend, has taken positives out of the tough defeat.
“Up front at set piece I thought we were really dominant and it's part of our game we really take pride in so we will be eager to challenge that side of the game again this weekend,” he said.
Bond will battle Brothers who progressed after defeating the Easts Tigers in the minor semi-final.
“They have got a great attacking game with some solid input across their 10,12,13 so it's going to be a game going the full 80 minutes and we are excited to put everything on the line,” Winchester said.
The difference between winning and losing at this level is small and Bond know they will have to bring out their full bag of tricks to get the desired result.
“These are the games you dream of playing, when everything is on the line much like the Matildas on Saturday. It adds that little bit more pressure that every athlete loves deep down,” Winchester said.
The battle of the 10s
The match-up between the two chief playmakers is set to be something special.
Bull Sharks number 10 Tyler Campbell will go against Brothers’ flyhalf Lawson Creighton who has been in damaging form.
Look for Campbell to stand up and steer Bond University around the park and continue his impressive 2023 season.
Catch Bond University in action live from Yoko Road in Ashgrove at 3:10pm or live on Nine Gem and Stan Sport this Saturday afternoon.