The Bull Sharks will take renewed confidence with them as they head up the highway to Crosby Park on Saturday.
Awaiting them are the reigning premiers Brothers.
Bull Sharks v Brothers at Crosby Park
Premier Men
Last time we met
Rd 15, 2024 at The Canal
Bull Sharks lost 42-40.
It was lost in the final moments through a lack of knowledge on the laws. The Bull Sharks needed to catch their kick-off instead of letting it bounce. All they needed to do was take possession and put the ball into touch and we would have won. Instead, Brothers gained possession, and the Bull Sharks gave away a penalty trying to defend. It was a hard lesson to learn.
The challenge
I think going into Brother's this week, we won't get the same amount of cheap ball we got against Souths. We've just got to make them work hard in attack because Brothers are a very efficient team. They are well drilled and have been together for a few years now, and they have been in the top two or three teams in the competition for a long time now and are the reigning premiers.
How we match up
They have a very similar physical profile to us, so the difference won’t be there. It is just that Brothers know their game very well while we are still educating ourselves about how we want to play.
Shuffling the magnets
Liam Daniela should be back. He brings a lot of experience which will really help us.
One to watch
Matt Engelbrecht is putting together a consistent season and has been among our best players each time he's laced the boots up.
The final word
We did enough to win against Souths, but we have to do more of the same just a bit better.
With Mick Heenan
Colts 1
Last time we meet
Bull Sharks won 41-24
The Bull Sharks gained the ascendancy up front. The foundations were laid at the set piece, and we were rewarded with multiple scrum penalties that allowed us to kick to corners and set up maul drives which resulted in three tries.
The opposition
Brothers are always a tough side to beat at home. Our forwards were very important last week in laying the platform for us and we need that effort again.
The challenge
Our challenge is about showing up ready to play. We showed against Souths that when we play our best football, we can beat the top sides. We just have to take that ruthless mentality into the game.
Shuffling the magnets
Ta’ziayah Milner will miss a couple of weeks with a hamstring injury, so we need to find a full back.
The final word
The win over Souths gives us confidence and momentum because we were able to play our style of football. We know if we can replicate that and stick to our game, we will be very hard to beat.
With Rico Gear
Premier Women
Last time we met
Bull Sharks won 19-0
It was a very scrappy game and there really wasn't an area the Bull Sharks dominated. They just managed to tough it out for the win.
The opposition
Brothers will be tough, they have got a lot of Reds players who will be available for selection.
Shuffling the magnets
Zoe Hanna is on placement with her physio degree, so we will miss her but that will give another young player the chance to test themselves at this level. Veteran Grace Baker will come back from the edge into that 7 slot, and Leticia Medeiros will come back into the side.
One to watch
Eva Doblo improves every time she plays. She is going to be a centre for us and we are trying to build her experience by giving her big minutes, just so she can understand the shape and game plan. Once she gets that under her belt and understands her role, she will be a very good player because she has excellent footwork and can put people into space
The final word
I have faith in the girls, they are learning fast, if we can cut out our mistakes and focus on playing as a team, we will be in with a shot.
With Lawrence Faifua