Harry’s at helm of Bull Sharks
HARRY Nucifora has been appointed as the man to lead Bond University to a breakthrough Queensland Premier Rugby finals berth in 2019.
The Bull Sharks have been knocking on the door for a while now, having finished fifth in two of the past three seasons.
In the unexplained absence of Tai Ford, the 22-year-old scrumhalf has stepped up from the vice captaincy into the top job with the full backing of coach Brad Harris.
“Harry has been a standout,” Harris said. “He is a guy that has got NRC experience, he did a pre-season with the Melbourne Rebels. He has come back and worked really hard. He understands the game, understands the way that we want to play, so he was just a logical choice and I’m really looking forward to working with him.
“He leads by example so it is a really good fit for us.”
Nucifora was “thrilled” to receive the honour.
“Being able to have played in a few high-level representative teams and being around experienced players, you pick up leadership attributes as you go and you work out what works, what doesn’t work,” he said.
“I guess it kind of moulds you into the kind of player and captain that hopefully I will be. I’m really excited to be doing it.”
Nucifora was a dynamic force in the No.9 jersey last year and hopes he and the team can build on a strong finish to that season.
“My running game was good off the back of a bit of a slow start last year,” he said.
“I guess the way we build on it is just be more cohesive as a team early. We need to get wins on the board earlier than what we did last year.
“We have got systems in place and guys that are returning and new guys as well that have been added to the mix – I’m confident that we can do the job.”
The Bull Sharks will play Brothers in Round 1 next Saturday.