SPECIAL SIBLINGS
LATEST BOND HERO
SONNY Pettybourne is destined for big things after making a stunning first impression at Queensland Premier Rugby level.
The younger brother of Gold Coast Titans NRL veteran Eddy Pettybourne only had a short stint off the bench in Bond University’s 46-15 Round 17 win over Souths at the weekend – but that was enough to convince his coach Sean Hedger that a bright future awaits.
The prop forward grew up playing league and was part of the Burleigh Bears colts squad last year but hopped codes in the off-season following a chance chat between Eddy and Hedger.
Sonny has spent much of the year in reserves, learning his craft and coming to grips with rugby’s technicalities.
“For a kid who had never played a game of rugby and never packed a scrum before in the beginning of the year, he came on in that last 10 minutes and dominated at loosehead,” Hedger said of his top grade debutant.
“He is definitely one of the finds of the season for us, just an exciting prospect.
“He is only 20 and he has only just started to learn his trade. Once we get him a little bit fitter, he is a serious footy player.”
Pettybourne weighed more than 160kg when he moved to the Gold Coast from Sydney in late 2015.
He has trimmed down to now be close to the 130kg mark and is homing in on his optimal playing weight.
“Our goal is to get him down to 125kg. Then he’d be really considered someone who can play the majority of the game,” Hedger said.
Pettybourne forms part of a promising Bond front-row rotation that also includes captain Sam Clifton, rising South African Brandon Landsberg, veteran international Eddie Aholelei and Reds hooker Alex Mafi.
Starting prop JP Phelan is expected to return to Ireland shortly.
Capping the club’s optimism-inspiring effort against Souths, Pettybourne was not alone in the debutant department. Fullback Josh Walker, 18, was promoted from colts for his maiden opportunity in senior premier rugby.
The majority of Bond’s 23-man side at last start are in their teens or early 20s, giving hope for improved results next season having almost certainly sunk to the 2017 wooden spoon.