BACK FROM WILDERNESS AND READY TO ROAR
TODAY marks one sleep until Gold Coast District Rugby Union first grade returnees Nerang celebrate being back in the top tier and there is a buzz of excitement at Glennon Park.
A regular premiership force in the 1990s, the Bulls have been in the wilderness for two years but are back in the spotlight after being promoted following their 2018 second grade title triumph.
The club will be led out by skipper Josh Edmond for the 4.10pm home showdown with Bond Pirates tomorrow.
“Last year we had to get some respect back from the competition through our second grade side. We have done that and basically we just want to be competitive this year,” Bulls coach John Maniapoto said.
“We are not there to make up the numbers, to be honest.
“Nothing is a given; we have got to work hard all season. We have just got to knuckle down because it’s easy for us to be excited being back in the top grade but for us it’s not good enough just being there.”
Maniapoto expects the Pirates to present a stiff task first up, hailing his opposite number Lincoln Matahaere as a “really good coach”.
Nerang have had several former players return to the club for 2019.
Winger Chase Russ, who last played for the Bulls in 2014, said: “It’s very exciting. Everyone is pumped and ready to go.”