JAPANESE IMPORT’S A REAL BOND KNOCKOUT
KOTA Nobuhara’s Queensland Premier Rugby debut for Bond University lasted just 20 minutes with the Japanese recruit being knocked out in their 47-8 loss to Brothers.
The arrival of Nobuhara, who has been part of the Kobelco Steelers squad in the Top League, had been perfect timing given hookers Nick Turner and Al Stewart both were injured the previous round.
However, his dream start was cut short when he put his head in the wrong place while trying to make a tackle.
The wheels quickly fell off for Bond, conceding 28 unanswered points after halftime.
In an otherwise disappointing afternoon at Albion, Bullsharks director of rugby Sean Hedger liked what he saw from Nobuhara’s brief stint in the No.2 jersey.
“He was buzzing around all over the place,” Hedger said.
“He was really energetic. Like a typical Japanese player, he plays the game at 1000 miles an hour.”
His departure from the field left the Bullsharks without a recognised hooker and they felt the full effect of that vacancy.
“We had no possession and Brothers made the most of it,” Hedger said. “I think we won one lineout in the second half.”
Winger Adam Gauder scored Bond’s sole try, cashing in on a pinpoint Pierce Fitzgerald cross-field kick.