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Students to steer Bull Sharks scrum

Harry Bell
John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholar Harry Bell will start for the Prrmier Men  

The Bull Sharks delivered a clean sweep last week, but the celebrations were short lived as the coaches set to work on a some tough assignments against GPS at The Canal.

Look out for Bond University students Harry Bell and Harrison Usher who will be the starting props for the Premier Men.    

Premier  Men 

Last time they met:

Rd 17, 2023 at GPS.

Bond won 32-26  

A combination of X-factor in the backs and a hard-working pack means they are always a tricky opponent.  

The focus: 

We have done a fair bit of work on the line-up, Jake Upfield and Dylan Loader have been running it and we’ve just worked to simplify the calls a little bit. It has become a key area for us.  

The opposition: 

They have a very big efficient forward pack and have won three of their first four games and beaten some pretty good teams, so it has been a solid start to the season for them. They will have emerging Queensland Red Floyd Aubrey at full back, and he is a handful. 

The focus: 

We have done a fair bit of work on the line-up, Jake Upfield and Dylan Loader have been running it and we’ve just worked to simplify the calls a little bit. It has become a key area for us.  

What’s new: 

Jack Winchester comes in from injury for his first game of the year. He’s a good player with Super Rugby experience who will help give us some solidity. 

Welcome back: 

Hamish Roberts is back and that is a real plus. He’s an attacking threat and a goal kicker as well and we missed him last week.

Get excited: 

Harry Bell and Harrison Usher will be our starting props. They will give us a lot of energy and enthusiasm early in the game. They have been good every time they’ve stepped us for us and it is exciting for everyone at the club to see them start.  We just ask them to give us their best and our experienced front rowers Rhys Sherrif and Levi Samuela will bring us home.  

With Mick Heenan

Premier Women    

Bull Sharks player v Norths

Last time they met: 

Rd 17, 2023 at GPS 

GPS won 31-23

It has always been a tough game up front against them, so we are planning for exactly that.

On reflection

When I look back at last week’s game, I see a very poor start from us. We were kept out of the game for the first 10mins which was disappointing. Being ready to rip in from the opening siren and making a strong statement early will our main focus point heading into the match.

Look out for:

Speedster Dianne Waight is back after an injury break. She's keen and ready to get stuck in and enjoy some footy with her mates.

Shuffling the magnets:

We have made huge changes to our backline due to injury or player unavailability this week. Our halves pairing of CJ Morgan and Evie Sampson are the only survivors in our backline from last week.

The opposition:

We expect the same as we have for the past couple of seasons against GPS and that is a tough physical battle. They are always tough up front which will test some of our inexperienced players and we look forward to the challenge.

The final message:

The team is building nicely. This week will really test our depth, but we will still look to play some expansive footy and push for the win at home.

With Shannon Symon

Colts 1  

Rico Gear coaching v Norths
Rico Gear 

Last time you met. 

Rd 17, 2023 at GPS.  

Bond won 40-26 

It is always a good encounter, they like to throw the ball around which can make them dangerous at times so our defence will have to be organised. 

On reflection

We were happy to win last week but are always areas we can improve on. Our defence fold was poor, so we want more effort from inside defenders playing eyes up rugby. GPS have a tall line out so we have worked on ways to counter that this week. 

Look out for: 

Ollie Barrett is back from Wallaby U20s duties and he wants to make an impact so watch out for him.  

Shuffling the magnets:

We’ve had to make several changes again this week. There is Ollie Barrett and also Ieuan Cornelius who is back from the Premier Men so they are big inclusions for us. Lachie Smith comes in for Harry Bell who is starting for the Premier Men. We’ve lost our star lock Fergus Gillan to injury so that gives an opportunity to Ollie James while Nick Hilton will start at No. 8. 

The focus:

This week we have been looking at our effort at the ruck, we have been late to support ball carriers so that’s a focus for us in our training and something we expect to see improvements in.  

The opposition:

They are well organised and have been competitive in all their games. Their No. 10 is a key man with a dangerous left foot who directs their team well. So their line out and the way the attack will be a challenge for us but one we have prepared for. 

The final message:  

We did well score 40 Points last week and we want to keep that attacking attitude. But we will also try to tighten up our defence and hopefully that balance should create a good spectacle. 

With Rico Gear 

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