Club stalwarts shine as Bull Sharks make history

When the best players in last weekend’s grand finals were announced, the judges looked beyond the big name players from the Reds, Wallabies and Wallaroos to honour two Bull Sharks stalwarts who are the heart and soul of their teams. 

Judging by the cheer from their teammates for Zara Colless and Tyler Campbell, the judges got it right.  

First came Saturday, where the Bull Sharks pulled off a historic fourth consecutive premiership win over the physical Easts Tigers.  

The Bull Sharks, down 19-5 at the break, reminded everyone why they’re nicknamed the ‘zombies’ – no matter how many times they’re down, they always find a way of coming back. 

And no player assisted more in that resurgence than Zara Colless who came off the bench after the 20th minute.  

Colless scored a try, kicked two conversions and one penalty, helping shift the momentum in the second half. 

She was later awarded the Cheyenne Campbell Medal for best on ground.  

But winning the medal had never even crossed Colless’s mind.  

“My dad actually made a joke to me the morning of the game about potentially winning it and I said, ‘No, don’t be silly, that’s never going to happen’,” Colless said. 

“Winning the Cheyenne Campbell Medal wasn’t even on my radar going into the game, especially because I was starting on the bench. 

“I was just happy my team won, I played well and scored a try. 

“When we sat down and they started to present it we all looked around wondering who would get it. Then the presenter said this medal is going to someone who changed the game when she came off the bench and it sunk in that I was about to be presented it! 

“It was honestly the best feeling, I was so excited! It didn’t feel real.” 

And no one could be prouder than Bond women’s rugby head coach Lawrence Faifua.  

“Zara is probably one of the players that's persisted through the whole process,” Faifua said.  

“We could've started her on Saturday but I think she had an important part, which she came out and did. 

“She always puts in and is a real team player. I’m really proud of her.” 

Then came Sunday. In another thriller, the premier men edged out Brothers 27-25 to win their first premiership and it was skipper and club stalwart Tyler Campbell who was crowned the Tony Shaw Medallist for best on ground. 

Campbell’s playmaking and tackling, as well as his crucial leadership and composure across the full 80 minutes, meant he was the deserving winner. 

“To come here and lead Bond to their first premiership – the feeling’s unreal,” Campbell said after the game.  

“We spent a lot of that game down but we kept fighting back. 

“I’m just so proud of these boys.” 

Growing up, Campbell played his junior footy on the Gold Coast and captained U13, U14 and U15 Gold Coast Breakers sides. Sunday’s premiership has been a long time coming.  

“I’m extremely grateful and honoured to have won the award – it’s something I’ll never forget,” Campbell said.  

“To captain the first Gold Coast team in 21 years to a Hospital Cup victory was incredibly special.”