Fitter Nerang Bulls ready to hit ground running

NERANG have turned to strength and conditioning coach Mel Betty to drive their return to Gold Coast District Rugby Union first grade after identifying a key outcome of the shortened 2019 draw.

The length of the regular season has been slashed from 21 rounds to 14, starting from April 6 when Nerang will host Bond Pirates.

It has led the Bulls’ brains trust to identify extra pre-season fitness as a must to ensure they don’t leave their run too late.

“The coaches just felt we needed to hit the ground running and be fit because you are not going to have that third round (of the home-and-away season to catch up),” said Nerang president Heath Claydon.

“Mel has been working with us since the first week of January. Some of the boys have lost like 15kg.

“Their ability to back each other up during the trial matches has been really encouraging.”

Betty’s husband, daughter and son all play for the Bulls.

Nerang, who replaced Coolangatta Tweed in the top tier after winning second grade last year, were satisfied with their pre-season hit-outs against Brisbane Irish, Springfield and Moreton Bay.