Ford the premier player in clubland
RISING rugby star Tai Ford has completed a unique double, taking out the Alec Evans Medal for top player in the Queensland Premier Rugby competition.
Ford received the prize at an awards ceremony yesterday, just a few days after being crowned Bond University Bullsharks player of the year.
Bond executive director of sport Garry Nucifora said the No.8’s award was deserved.
“He’s a fairly humble sort of a guy, Tai, but he’s led the side very well as captain and it was a popular award,” he said.
Nucifora said Ford led by example while remaining grounded.
“I think it’s been pleasing to observe,” he said.
“He’s a fairly humble young fellow, he’s certainly one of those out of the trenches ‘follow me boys’ leaders, and he’s also been as well as a steady influence in the team, he’s certainly been a prolific tryscorer, and he’s done very, very well.”
Noting that Ford was being closely monitored by Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn, Nucifora said Ford typified the sort of sort of place they wanted the Bond University club to be, for players who hoped to further themselves.
“Tai was a local junior, he’s come to the club out of the Gold Coast District Rugby Union competition, last year he played premier rugby then he was also picked for the Bond University Queensland Country national rugby championship side which won the competition.
“In every way he typifies the sort of place we want people to understand the club can be for those players that have aspirations.”
Nucifora’s son Harry finished fifth in the top award.