Ladder leaders Bond University go into their home game against University of Queensland tomorrow stacked with international talent including two Wallabies props.
Fresh off his debut for Australia against South Africa a fortnight ago, Zane Nonggorr returns to The Canal to pack down in his first appearance with Bond in 2023.
“It was such an unreal experience to make my debut in South Africa. The crowd was just insane and were screaming the whole time - it was a moment I’ll never forget,” Nonggorr said.
“Playing in Pretoria at such high altitude was really tough against the Springboks because they’re such a physical side, it really burned the throat.”
Nonggorr has had a whirlwind season, with his initial goal just to make the Queensland Reds starting side.
“I just wanted to have a strong Super Rugby season for Queensland so when I got named in that first Wallabies training squad I was stoked and wanted to go in there and work hard,” he said.
Another addition to the Bond front row this weekend is Australian Wallaby and Melbourne Rebels player Matt Gibbon, making his debut for the Bull Sharks.
“I’m really excited to be here and I can’t wait to play with the boys and also go up against some fellow teammates for UQ,” he said.
Gibbon hails from Alstonville in Northern NSW so it was natural step to join the Bull Sharks during his off-season.
“It's definitely the closest club to home and I’m playing with Rebels teammate Josh Canham, so it's nice to be back in club rugby,” he said.
At 28, Gibbon has played more than 50 games for the Rebels and made his Wallabies debut against Argentina in 2022.
Other additions to the Bull Sharks tomorrow include Junior Wallabies front rower Harrison Usher, back from the World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa where Australia finished fifth after strong wins over New Zealand and Wales.
Usher will front up for the Bond Colts One side, needing to deliver a strong performance over University of Queensland to keep their finals aspirations alive.
Other elite players on the Bull Sharks’ roster include Queensland Reds Angus Blyth, George Blake, Jake Upfield, Spencer Jeans and Wilson Blyth.
Bond also have a strong Fijian Drua contingent including Rusiate Nasove, Kalione Nasoko, Mesu Dolokoto and Ratu Rotuisolia.
The Bull Sharks are sitting on top of the Queensland Premier Rugby table with three rounds remaining, while UQ is seventh.
Premier Women's front Rower Eva Karpani has returned from Canada after representing the Wallaroos and playing a starring role in the victory over the United State’ She hopes to be back in Bond colours next week.
The Premier Women kick off at The Canal at 9.30am, with the Premier Men running out at 3.05pm.