Ford’s focus

BOND University rugby captain Tai Ford never had his eye on a leadership position but he is glad coach Grant Anderson came calling.

Ford is a classic late bloomer. At 27 years of age, he is suddenly roaring into fringe contention at Super Rugby franchise the Queensland Reds despite having only played his “first serious year” in 2015 at the Bond Pirates.

The backrower has made waves since rising to the Queensland Premier Rugby level two years ago to the point where he has become the man for the top job at Bond.

“It did (surprise me) actually,” Ford said of the captaincy, as he tries to make the No.7 jersey his own in a bid for representative selection.

“I’ve always just played to better myself really and just focus on what I am doing.

“I could see it was coming just because I know I was one of the guys who had been in the team the longest.”

Ford, said his appointment will make him even more committed to the club as well as helping others improve their games. “It’s actually making me a better player to be honest,” he said.

Bond will kick off their season against Wests at Nerang from 3.20pm today and Ford is optimistic of a far better campaign than the 2017 season in which they took the wooden spoon.

“Last year we were missing a lot of key positions and this year we have filled those key positions,” he said.

“Even though some of the boys are out, we have got a bit of depth in the team so we can actually have boys step up into those positions.”

BOND ROUND 1: 1. Eddie Aholelei, 2. Nick Turner, 3. Will Slipper, 4. Reuben Fuimaono, 5. Angus Blyth, 6. Calum Ball, 7. Tai Ford, 8. Sam Wood, 9. Harry Nucifora,

10. Mitch Third, 11. Hayden Sargeant, 12. Dan Boardman, 13. Franky Calugay, 14. Pearce Fitzgerald, 15. Joey Fittock. Reserves: 16. Sam Dobb, 17. Al Stewart,

18. RJ Sa’anga, 19. Jamison Smith, 20. Lachlan Connors, 21. Jordan Lenac, 22. Corbin Kiernan, 23. Ryan Menzies.