Bond University’s dominance in women’s rugby has been recognised with nine members of the Reds’ 2024 Super W squad coming from the Bull Sharks.
In his first year at the helm of the Reds Super W side, Bond University’s Director of Coaching Grant Anderson has brought a strong Bull Sharks flavour to the program.
His senior assistant is Laurence Faifua who coached the Bull Sharks to last year’s QPR title and the Charlotte Caslick Cup 7s series.
Members of the back-to-back QPR premiership winning sides to get their first Super W contracts include Dianne Waight, Grace Baker, Ava Wereta and Jemma Bemrose.
Premiership players and current Wallaroos Mel Wilks and Madi Schuck return as senior members of the side.
The squad also features exciting 16-year-old centre Shalom Sauaso, who starred for the Bull Sharks in the 2024 summer 7s series.
Sauaso was an eye-catcher in the Reds’ trial against the Waratahs in Roma in February with her strong carries from inside centre.
“Shalom has come through the sevens pathway. That was her first game of 15s in Roma and she showed great composure,” Anderson said.
Anderson has also recruited US prop Charli Jacoby and UK flanker Lucy Thorpe who have both joined Bond.
“We have a lot of new faces and energy coming to the squad,” Anderson said.
“During the pre-season, the priority has been working really hard at the skill base and building combinations and cohesion."
Anderson, a former prop, knows that having the right strength in the pack always has to be the first step for any backline to sing.
And the arrival of USA Eagle Jacoby, who will bring the experience of 24 Tests as a tighthead prop, is sure to help.
As an invested onlooker to the Bond women’s program, Anderson knows too well the damage the Bull Sharks players in the squad’s backline can inflict on oppositions.
“Mel Wilks offers a lot in attack with her skills and has flexibility to play at fullback or in the centres. It’s good to have that versatility in players,” Anderson added.
"You can’t coach pace, so a big upside is having electric youngster Dianne Waight joining the squad as well."
Waight, who has Jamaican heritage, is a former track sprinter and scored three tries for Bond University in last year’s Australian Club Championship triumph over Sydney premiers Gordon.
Queensland kick off their 2024 Super Ruby Pacific Women’s season at Ballymore Stadium on Sunday March 17.