After making their maiden finals appearance in 2020, Bond University were arguably the unluckiest club in 2021.
The Bull Sharks were in the top four for the majority of the season, but injuries tested the club’s depth and they fell just outside of the top four in fifth spot with two Rounds remaining.
Bond were due to host Brothers in Round 17 when COVID lockdown struck, meaning Rounds 17 and 18 were abandoned, seeing Bond miss out on the finals series.
The Bull Sharks are back in 2022 with the majority of the squad returning, as well as some talented recruits, and are poised to once again be a force within the competition.
We spoke with head coach Grant Anderson ahead of their first match against Sunnybank.
“Overall we were really pleased with last season,” said Anderson.
“We spent 16 weeks in the top four but a lost to Wests saw us just fall outside of the four before the last two rounds were cancelled. It would have been good to contest the finals last year but it wasn’t to be, we regroup and focus on the new season.
“Training wise in the off-season, we’ve focused on conditioning and building the player’s skill base, whilst integrating our new players into the team and the style of play.”
“Our focus for this year, we want to play in a Grand Final and win a Hospital Cup. We got to play good Rugby week-in-week-out and focus on winning each Round,
“Last year we had four of six teams at the club contest finals, we want to continue to build on that and we’re aiming for a top two finish in Premier Grade. We’re focused on making that a reality.”
Jayden Ngamanu – Japan Rhys Sheriff – Eastwood Sam Kelly-Knowles – UQ Hayden Sargent – Bond
James Ambrosini – Retired Tautalatasi Tasi – GPS Dylan Rowe – UQ
Jake Upfield
“I think Jake is set for a big year. He spent a lot of time injured last year but has worked hard in the off-season to get himself fit. He is a smart footballer with a good skillset.”
Connor Anderson – Wests
“Connor Anderson over at Wests is a player I’ve always liked. He’s a club stalwart, been there forever and is now captain. He’s a good player who probably doesn’t get a lot of recognition.”
