Cobie-Jane Morgan has returned from a stint with the Gold Coast Titans in the NRLW to help Bond University progress through to their first ever Grand Final, where they will be facing off against Easts, Morgan’s former club.
The scrumhalf has enjoyed an illustrious career spanning over a decade, representing Australia in both Sevens and Fifteens on numerous occasions.
On top of her international success, she’s been prolific in domestic competitions, being a part of the Easts Tigers side who won back-to-back premierships over the last two seasons, as well as making the semi-finals with the Gold Coast Titans in the NRLW.
This time around however, Morgan is playing in blue and gold, not for the Titans, but for Bond University as she reunites with former coaches Lawrence Faifua and Setu Naseri.
Morgan had played under Faifua and Naseri in the AON 7s series, and since then has had nothing but the highest of praise for their expertise and emphasis on team culture.
“In terms of building culture and basic skill execution within a squad, both coaches are super professional in terms of how they deliver their program, and I think that’s why we’ve seen Bond have a lot of success over the years,” Morgan said.
“They’d have to be hands down some of the best coaches I’ve had in Australia. In my opinion they should be coaching for Australia.”
“Girls have played under them that have come from other clubs like Sunnybank and Easts, people have travelled from New Zealand to play under them. It speaks volume in terms of who they are as people, as well as what they can deliver as coaches.”
The Bull Sharks will be looking to repay their coaches as they prepare to face an Easts side looking to make it three premierships in a row.
Morgan says that despite Easts’ premiership calibre, the girls and herself are feeling very good going into Sunday.
“The energy is really good at training right now and I think the girls have been playing some really good Rugby, particularly the second half of the season,” she said.
“I think they’ll definitely come out firing and throwing the kitchen sink at us. It’s going to be a real physical match.
“They’re going to play exactly how they have been playing, strong through their set-piece. They’ve probably got a few tricks up their sleeves, but we’re prepared for that.”
“Overall, I’m really looking forward to playing against some outstanding players, and some of my really good mates.”
According to Easts’ head coach Gary Wilson, his squad is also feeling great as they come off a week’s break following their semi-final victory against GPS a fortnight ago.
Wilson says that his team will be watching out for Morgan come kick-off, as well as some other stars from Bond.
“Cobie with her leadership and big game experience, she’s someone that we’ll definitely be watching, as well as Melanie Wilks who’s a very good player that had a huge impact against GPS in the prelims. Grace Baker also does great things for that team,” Wilson said.
Bond will take on Easts this Sunday 11am at Suncorp Stadium, in a game which will have immense ramifications for the legacy of both clubs.
Buy tickets via https://bit.ly/3qCuKtE.
