Colleges: Surfers still team to beat

GRIFFITH University Colleges are sailing at the top of the Gold Coast District Rugby Union ladder after seven straight wins but they say archrivals Surfers Paradise remain the target of most teams.

Surfers are the two-time defending premiers and had been on a remarkable 42-game winning streak until falling to the Knights – runners-up the past two years – last month.

It remains their only loss since the 2015 season.

With that in mind, Colleges coach Graham Herlihy claims the Dolphins are still considered the team to beat.

“I think it’s still Surfers. We have beaten Surfers once in how many years?” he said.

“Yeah we’re undefeated but it’s only because we got over Surfers in that one game.

“If we beat Surfers in the three rounds this year then you can start talking about that but I just don’t think we can really claim that title at this stage.

“They deserve to still be there as the side to beat.

“In saying that, I am really happy with our season so far. We have improved a lot as a team, we have recruited strongly, we have beaten Helensvale twice.”

The Knights today face third-placed Gold Coast Eagles away and are preparing for a “danger game”.

“We’re in a pretty good position,” Herlihy said.

In other news, GCDRU has confirmed Round 12 in a fortnight will be dedicated to supporting the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation.