This shapes as a season-defining round for the Bull Sharks, with Sunnybank at home always a formidable opponent.
Premier Men
The opposition
They have very dangerous attacking weapons and they thrive on unstructured play, so if you're guilty of turning the ball over you get punished very heavily. They’ve got about five Fijiian Drua players coming back into their squad after the Super Rugby season as well as Ben Volavola of the Queensland Reds, who is a great leader for them.
The challenge
Making sure we control our possession. Brothers last week showed a very good blueprint in that – they were 26 – 14 down at halftime and in the second half, they dominated possession to come over the top. That’s what you have to do against Sunnybank – starve them of chances and opportunities because they like to ad lib and are very dangerous.
Shuffling the magnets
Deon Evans-Ao Leifi got injured on the weekend and is out so there will be some shuffling - Ethan Morgan will push over to the wing where Deon was, Ryan Nankivell will probably come in to fly-half and Luke Depiazzi will go back to fullback.
Final words
Every team is always a lot harder at home but when you have a big day like that, they have extra family and friends along so the crowd is significantly bigger. If they get a little sniff, all of a sudden you’re not just playing the 15 on the field but a very large, loyal crowd aswell.
-With Sean Hedger, General Manager of Rugby
Premier Women
The opposition
In both first and second grade we are playing top of the table clashes so it will be a big challenge going up to the Dragon's Den this weekend. It will be a big day for the club and we're looking to go up there and spoil celebrations.
The challenge
Our biggest challenge has been consistency - just getting our processes right and making sure we're taking all the boxes. We’ve had some pretty positive results, but we've had lapses too. We talked about it after the last game, just winning more of those key moments and making sure the momentum isn’t tipped against us for long periods. We got away with it last weekend but this weekend our opposition won’t let us off so lightly.
Shuffling the magnets
We should get some Reds players back which will be very welcome with a few injuries within the team.
Ones to watch
No individuals for me this week as it’s all about a full team effort. Not just our starting 15, but our bench as well. It’s about looking at it from a view of cohesion and making sure we’re really connected and aligned with what we’re trying to achieve.
Final word
I think it will be a really good encounter this weekend in both first and second grade as it's one versus two on the ladder. The game will either consolidate the top two spots or make the picture a bit murkier. It’s all to play for this weekend.
-With Setu Naseri, Premier Women Head Coach
Colts 1
The Opposition
Their ladder position doesn’t reflect how good a team they are. They’ve been right in every game they’ve played this year, and their best is best is up there with the best teams.
The Challenge
These games are the dangerous ones as Sunnybank don't have much to lose but have plenty to play for. What a way to finish the season for them, to try and knock off a good side. That’s a dangerous team to play against because they're going to throw a few things at us that we’re not accustomed to so we’ve got to be wary of everything this weekend. We've got to get our footy going well and if we do that, that takes us a long way to win games.
The focus
We're focusing on what they're good at, rather than what their weaknesses.
Shuffling the magnets
Jonah will be back in this weekend. He’s proven to have just as much impact off the field. He was first there on Saturday, he ran the line for Colts two, filled up water bottles helped out and coached the players. That was probably more pleasing the actual result – seeing young players buy into what Bond is all about. His form has been a testament to what he's put into the program. Seeing see young players with a smile on their face, you can't ask for much more than that.
Ones to watch
Max Engove, our number 12. He’s come back in the team because Karius has gone up to ones. He’s been training hard and his good form on a Saturday is a reflection of the work he’s put in.
Also, Ed Lyons, who scored three tries last week. He is such a relaxed young man but ball in hand, he's the best winger in the comp. He’s got a big frame, he’s quick and very popular off the field aswell. He’s constantly got a smile on his face, and when you see someone smiling all the time, you know they're enjoying their footy, which usually leads to the best performances.
Final word
It's a cultural round at Sunnybank and that means a lot to them. The players get to represent their culture and it’s very important to them. We’re trying to embrace the day as much as they are.
-With Adam Fahey, Colts 1 Head Coach