The Bull Sharks will return to a happy hunting ground in Noosa on the weekend hoping to emulate the feats of 2021 when they were triumphant in the state championships.
Almost a year to the day of their Sunshine Coast success, and Bond are once again in striking distance of 7s dominance having taken out the Fiji day 7s, GC 7s and finishing second at Brisvegas.
The Queensland State Sevens in Noosa is the final trophy needed to sign off on what has been a stellar season.
What they said
Bond Captain Byron Hutchinson has played rugby and the game of 7s professionally and has been impressed with the team’s ability to step up when it counts.
“I thought the team performed well last weekend. We have been trialling different combinations during the season and giving different guys an opportunity to perform,” he said.
“We were physical last weekend and played quality 7s in shifting the ball around with guys like Hayden Sargant and Rhian Stowers dominating across the weekend.”
At Brisvegas, Bond took a youthful forward pack into the tournament with Lachlan Connors and Zane Misios relatively new to the game of 7s.
“The big thing for us this week is having some extra firepower coming back into the side, the likes of Sammy Dalton, Abele Atunaisa and myself who have been around a while and can give those younger guys a calming voice during those high-pressure moments,” he said.
Noosa is the tournament Bond have been priming for, training hard to ensure they can come away with the win.
“Everyone has bought in again this year, and I think we have represented Bond really well,” he said.
“We are a band of brothers, we have fun, play well and we hope to continue that this weekend.”
Team news
Damon Virtue has named a dangerous final team for the state championships, making four changes to the side that finished second at Brisvegas.
Hutchinson returns to the line-up after recovering from a heel injury and Fijian powerhouse Abele Atunaisa is also set to make his first appearance for Bond in the 7s season.
Newcomer to the squad Denzel Samoa will get his first opportunity in Bond colours and will be another explosive weapon with plenty of speed and strong footwork.
Team list
1: Zane Misios
2: Dan Boardman
3: Regan Muir
4: Josh Havea
5: Byron Hutchinson
6: Rhian Stowers
7: Hayden Sargeant
8: Connor Pritchard
9: Lachlan Connors
10: Jayden Ngamanu
11: Denzel Samoa
12: Sam Dalton
13: Abele Atunaisa
Coach: Damon Virtue
Manager: Peter Jones