Rugby makes its long-awaited return to The Canal this weekend when the Bull Sharks play their first home game of the season against Easts.
In the Premier Men, the Tigers are two from two after a strong start to the season while the hosts are coming off a bye and still looking for their first win following a heartbreaking one-point loss to powerhouse Wests in the season opener.
It is a similar story for Colts 1, while the Premier Women head into their grand final rematch fresh off a win over Sunnybank last week.
Bull Sharks v Easts
Premier Men.
Last time we met
Rd 15, 2024 at Easts
Bull Sharks won 28-26
Very little separated us last year as our final ladder positions show. We traded wins in the home and away fixtures, they got us by a point at The Canal early in the season with a score on the siren and we returned the favour on their home deck by two points in round 15.
The Opposition
Easts have a big set piece and are determined to play to their strengths. They don’t want to move the ball around too much in attack and are content to try to force penalties.
The Challenge
We have to keep moving the ball when we are in possession and try to use our skill and pace out wide. And we want to keep it in play when we kick long. We don’t want the game to be dominated by scrums and lineouts.
Shuffling the magnets
New recruit Patrick Barlow will make his debut for the Bull Sharks. Rocco Gollings who was a standout in the opening game of the season will move to the wing and Syris Schmidt will play fullback.
One to watch
Experienced lock Dylan Loader returns for his first game of the year. He will be an important player against the Tigers’ tight five.
With Mick Heenan
Colts 1
Last time we met
2024 minor semi final at Sunnybank.
Bull Sharks won 29-14
We played very well that day. They had beaten us a couple of weeks before when we put in one of our worst performances for the season. We definitely learnt from that.
The Opposition
The Tigers Colts are very much in the mould of their first grade side. They will be very set piece oriented.
The Challenge
They will try to force us into mistakes, and we must be careful with our discipline. They way they play can provide opportunities for us to counterattack. We have to be ready for these opportunities when they present themselves.
Shuffling the magnets
Loose forward Will Carter will play his first game for the year.
One to watch
Mason King is a big, strong centre who is new to our club, and I think he is primed to make an impact.
The Focus
We have a bigger, more powerful midfield than in recent years. This allows us to play more directly when the situation demands it, and it also forces the opposition to commit in defence which can create space for us to attack out wide.
With Rico Gear
Premier Women
Last time we met
2024 Grand Final at Ballymore
Bull Sharks won 36-12
It was an incredible day for the Bull Sharks who clamed their third straight QPR premiership. It was an unseasonable 30C at the home of rugby and the Bull Sharks focused on moving their bigger opponents around the park. As the Tigers tired, the superior speed, skill and fitness of the girls from Bond came into play.
The opposition
They have won their last two games and are playing very good rugby. They have big forwards and fast backs, and we are going to have to play very well.
One to watch
Paris Mohr, she led the forwards around well last week and won her lineouts. She is an important player for us and one I think will continue to get better.
The focus
We have to limit their big ball carriers, get set early to take their time and space away from them and then hold our own in the set piece.
Shuffling the magnets
The Super Rugby final is on this weekend in Sydney which features a few of our girls. So, we expect the side to remain pretty settled this week which will help with our continuity and understanding.
With Grant Anderson