Bond all excited for new signing
BOND University are closing in on unleashing a secret weapon who could take their Queensland Premier Rugby finals push to the next level.
The Bullsharks have resecured standout backrower Nuku Swerling in a fillip to their playing stocks.
Swerling played for Bond before heading to France for three years, most recently with Top 14 club FC Grenoble.
After quitting Grenoble last month, the 24-year-old rejected rival Brisbane clubs to settle on a Bullsharks return.
His first game back may have to wait, as an international clearance is sought. Swerling was contracted to Grenoble until June 30.
“It’s unlikely he will play this week,” Bond coach Grant Anderson said.
“We are just waiting for his clearance to come through from France – I don’t think he will be in the team this week but hopefully next week he will be available for us.
“He is a quality player who has been playing professionally for three years in France.
“He is certainly someone who we are looking to have a massive impact and really push for NRC and Super Rugby contention at the back end of this season.”
Swerling has been training at blindside flanker but Anderson won’t be tempted to inject him straight into the starting side at the first opportunity.
“We have worked really hard this year to develop a system of players coming in,” Anderson said.
“He will start off the bench in second grade and then be eligible to sit on the bench for first grade and then the next week be eligible for starting selection in first grade.
“We have worked really hard this year to develop that sort of integrity in the club. Joel Brown (reigning player of the year) had to do the same thing.”
Joey Fittock will return from injury at fullback for Bond’s critical away match against Easts this afternoon but prop Salesi Manu has again been ruled out. Nick Turner comes in for Reds-contracted hooker Alex Mafi.
With fifth-placed Bond six points behind Easts in fourth, the clash is a must win.