The Bond University women’s program has stamped its class once again, sending six players to the Queensland Reds squad including debutantes Eva Doblo, Zara Colless and Paris Mohr.
Fellow Bull Shark and Queensland co-captain Jemma Bemrose returns to the 29-strong squad, while Ava Wareta and Kaelyn Passi move across from the Reds 7s program into the 15-a-side team.
The three newcomers were standouts in the Bull Sharks’ 32-29 Founders Cup grand final victory over Easts, the club’s fourth straight premiership triumph.
Colless shone as an ice-cool playmaker, earning the Cheyenne Campbell Medal for best-on-ground after being shifted into the key playmaker role.
Doblo is an electric finisher who stamped herself on the competition in 2025 while tireless backrower Mohr’s consistency throughout the season saw her named the Bull Sharks’ best and fairest at their gala function on Friday night.
The group’s selection adds to the incredible legacy head coach Lawrence Faifua and his assistant Setu Naseri have created at Bond University, which has become the benchmark of women’s rugby in Australia.
“We try to provide an environment where they can realise their dreams,” Faifua said.
“We give them all the education and preparation they need to be successful, but it doesn’t happen unless they are willing to do the work.
“These call-ups came because the girls committed themselves to becoming the best players they can be.
“They deserve all the credit and everyone at the club is excited for them.’’
Doblo’s selection capped a whirlwind two years in the Bull Sharks program.
“I’m stoked. I’ve worked so hard but it’s also a credit to our Bond Uni team and how well-drilled we were in the finals,” she said.
Doblo always plays above her compact 60kg on the wing and her commitment to tackling far bigger Easts players in the Founders Cup grand final was noted.
“I don’t know what takes over me but I’ve got a different persona on the field. I’m super-competitive, get more aggressive and fears just disappear,” Doblo said.
Representing Australia at Oztag has given her experience at higher levels, discipline and dealing with the pressure of finals.
Reds Head Coach Andrew Fraser said the selection of Bond’s premiership stars was a direct reflection of the impact they’d made at club level.
“The Bond women and others put a marker down with their club form and we are excited to bring them into a higher-level environment to prepare for this match in Narrabri,” Fraser said.