The significant improvement of Bond’s Colts in 2024 has led to a record number of Bull Sharks set to take part in October’s Super Rugby Men's Under-19s series.
In his second season in the job, former All Black Rico Gear has steered the Bull Sharks Colts into a major semi-final against Souths at GPS on Sunday.
Key players from that side, skipper Charlie McCauley, lock Fergus Gillan and utility back Ieuan Cornelius will play for the Reds U19s while winger Hunter Robinson was named as a shadow member of the squad.
Prop Ollie Barrett is tipped to join the Western Force.
It is a significant jump from last year when John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholarship recipient Harry Bell was the only Bull Shark selected.
Bond University Head of Rugby Grant Anderson said the increased number of players making U19s Super Rugby teams, the return to the finals and the number of Colts players to be given exposure at Premier grade, was a testament to the development program overseen by Gear.
Bell, McCauley, Gillan, Cornelius and Barrett along with Rocco Gollings, Sam Howarth, Nick Hilton and Zeb Misios have all played Premier Grade rugby in 2024.
“The boys earned their spot by playing well for our Colts and they have all had a crack at First Grade and performed well there,” Anderson said.
“And I think there’s a couple of others such as Rocco Gollings and Sam Howarth that were a bit unlucky not to get picked.
“I think Rico has got all the players on the same page, he’s worked really hard on their individual skill development which has allowed them to execute the type of game Bond is known for, fast, wide and highly skilled.”
Anderson said Gear’s technical expertise was on display with the improvements made in key areas of the game this season, but he suggested his ability to connect with his players helped with effective communication.
“We have gone from having the worst set piece in the competition to having the best,” he said.
“That is the result of a lot of quality coaching and player education.”
Charlie McCauley, who will lead Colts 1 into the major semi-final, said the quality of the Queensland Premier Rugby Colts competition had made it a difficult side to break into.
“It feels pretty great to have made the squad,” he said.
“It’s a very talented side with a lot of depth and to be able to be a part of that is pretty special.
“Obviously we set our standards quite high and so the team’s two goals are definitely to take out the national title and have as many players selected for the Australian U20s as possible.”
Reds Academy coach Dale Roberson said he was delighted with the strength of the squad.
“The Under-19s squad reflects how tight the Colts 1 competition has been all season because it was very competitive for positions,” Roberson said.
“A team like Norths narrowly missed the semi-finals yet we have three Norths players in the squad.
“We used more than 30 players last year when knocked around by injuries so it’s very important to have depth for what is a four-match series with a potential final.”