Bond still hopeful of finals action
One Eagles’ eye on finals as top duo rest
WITH three rounds left to go Bond University coach Sean Hedger hopes that his side are buoyed by the knowledge it is still possible to make it in to the top four.
But after seven winless weeks, Hedger acknowledges even Norths – who sit firmly at the bottom of the table – will feel like they are in with a chance when they host Bond in Queensland Premier Rugby in Brisbane this afternoon.
“(Norths are) always right in the contest at half-time … they seem to fall away at the back-end of games,” he said.
“The danger of that is, if they’re good enough to stick with you, if you let them in the game by giving them too much possession or giving them too much encouragement … they are going to gain more belief as the game goes on.
“If you were in their shoes, you’re looking at us – we haven’t won a game for seven weeks so they’re probably thinking they’ve got a really good chance.
“Our first goal this week is to win this game. If we win this game, we actually are guaranteed to finish no lower than sixth, which is an improvement on last year.”
Forward Cam Bracewell will be named in the starting side, while outside backs Tim Hindmarsh and Lachie Duncan will remain on the injured list with lock Richie Arnold. COACH Joe Faalogo will rest star flanker Adam Goldsworthy and centre Nate Faalogo for the clash with the Helensvale Hogs today in an attempt to ensure his best side are available for finals.
Ten points separates the Eagles and Hogs at two and three respectively in the Gold Coast District Rugby Union standings – enough for Faalo- go to give his players a licence to play more expansively in coming weeks.
“We’re already making our run. We’re calling this next month our road to the finals,” he said.
“It’s all about preparing ourselves to play our best football come finals time.
“We can be a little bit more innovative whereas Helensvale, having that close loss (to Surfers) last week, they will be hurting. So at the same time, we’ve got to prepare for that.
“Nate Faalogo my little brother, I’m going to rest him – he’s had a little bit of contusion to the chest and also Adam Goldsworthy, he’s probably our star seven, we’re going to nurse him as well,” he said.
The Eagles will host the Hogs at 3.15pm at James Overell Park in Southport.
In other games, Bond Pirates take on the Coolangatta Tweed Barbarians, Nerang face Griffith Uni Knights and Surfers Paradise play Palm Beach Currumbin.