Bond snare Naseri from Griffith rivals
BOND University have signalled their intentions to return to the pointy end of the Aon Uni Sevens Series by recruiting Setu Naseri as head coach.
The Queensland Super W assistant coach will replace two-year Bond mentor Ben Gollings, having been part of the Griffith University program that soared to the Aon premiership in October.
Naseri acted as assistant coach to Moana Virtue but said he could not resist the head coaching role offered to him by the Bullsharks.
“That was pretty much the lure for me, the opportunity to head coach,” he said.
“At Griffith we had something very special and I’ll be honest, it was something that was really difficult to walk away from.
“But at the same time, I made sure that I was transparent in my communications with the Griffith hierarchy and particularly the head coach that I worked with, Moana Virtue, and said I suppose I am looking at it from development opportunities. I’m aspirational. I have ambitions to be a head coach and I’ve been presented with one here.”
The move represents a return to the Bond fold for Naseri. Having helped the Gold Coast Eagles start their premiership run back in 2009, Naseri joined the then Gold Coast Breakers in 2012, filling roles as a premier grade assistant coach as well as colts head coach in 2015.
Bond director of rugby Sean Hedger admitted the change of scenery to Griffith had “probably refreshed” Naseri and praised his work.
“He has just got a really good rapport with all playing groups, girls and boys, that I have seen him work with,” Hedger said.
Under Gollings, Bond finished second in the inaugural season in 2017 but could manage no better than ninth – second last – this year.
“It’s an opportunity for a clean slate and to leave 2018 to 2018 but obviously we will take lessons from that and use it to aid our planning and preparation for 2019,” said Naseri, who will be assisted by Lawrence Faifua.
“At the end of the day, we’ll get in, we’ll be well organised, we’ll work really hard and aim to put out consistent performances and how that lands, it will be what we deserve.”