Bond have moved on from Saturday’s disappointing performance against the Bulldogs in preparation for a top-three clash against Easts Tigers at David Wilson field in Brisbane.
Last time they met:
These sides last met in round 2 and the match delivered on all fronts with the Bull Sharks fighting back to steal victory 39-33 thanks to an 81st minute try to winger Rhian Stowers.
The outside backs were outstanding that day but it was hooker Moli Sooaemalelagi who scored two tries and impressed at the set piece that positioned the Bull Sharks for the win.
Where will it be won:
Bull Sharks flyer Hamish Roberts, who has been a revelation over the last two seasons, has identified the issues Bond faced against Wests.
“We didn’t match their physicality. Our video review showed poor line speed and inefficiencies in our up-front tackles,” he said.
The Tigers have won their last three on the trot and currently sit atop the ladder on 37 points, with the Bull Sharks sitting three points below in third position on 34.
“Easts will be another big test but we just have to play our game and be disciplined in everything we do,” he said.
“They have a dominant rolling maul so we will need to be up to the task to match them.”
The wingers Stowers and Roberts have scored a combined 130 points in 2023 with Roberts leading the competition on 75, but the left winger is eager to get more involved for his team.
“It has been quiet on my side of the field of late but we have shown as a backline we can play and score tries so I’m keen to get more ball in my hands,” he said.
Around the grades:
It is set to be a huge weekend for the Premier women in a rematch of last year’s grand final. The Bull Sharks got the job done over the Tigers in round 2 with a 45-7 triumph, but the Tigers have been bolstered by the return of star representative players which turns the clash into an unmissable contest.
Meanwhile It’s a third versus fifth match-up for Colts 1 and the Bull Sharks will need a win to keep them in touch with finals footy.
In what has been a challenging season, flanker Zebediah Misios has been the shining light, performing superbly week-on-week.
Game day timings:
Third grade: 9:30am
Colts two: 10:50am
Premier women: 10:50am
Colts one: 12:10pm
Second grade: 1:30pm
First grade: 3:05pm