Bulls tough it out in top-flight return
NERANG have capped their return to first grade with a tough first-up win in a brutal Gold Coast District Rugby Union clash with a big Bond Pirates side.
Playing their first game in the top grade since dropping out at the end of 2016, the Bulls dug deep on Saturday at Glennon Park to prevail 18-8 after a scoreless first half.
The fiery match saw a number of yellow cards dished out, as well as a red card issued to Pirates flanker Bradley Plant.
Nerang coach John Maniapoto was pleased his players pulled through to clinch a win that he believes will help settle some nerves.
“It was a slugfest,” he said. “It was just like watching two old boxers hammer away at each other to be honest. We just had to weather the storm.
“Even though we did really good in second grade last year, it’s a step up (to first grade).
“You have got organised defences, organised attacks are coming up against you, different type of coaches and a different way of thinking
and the structures are all different.
“Whereas the boys could probably free themselves up a bit easier in second grade to score more points, the points won’t come as easy now.”
Lock Aaron Cook was man of the match on debut for Nerang against his former club, while 18-year-old fullback Joshua Whitley was also excellent.
After taking the 2018 season off, Cook was talked into joining the rebuilding Bulls – who are actually his local club – by a bunch of mates.
“I didn’t really want to change clubs because I’m pretty loyal,” he said.
“But they are back on track and they have a good feeling down there and a good culture.”
External expectations of the Bulls have been relatively high for the year ahead and Cook admitted those views are somewhat mirrored internally.
“We’re looking to go as far as we can,” he said.
“We’re definitely not going to be easybeats.”
The entire competition appears to be without a socalled easybeat but the Bulls will get a chance to put their mettle to the test in Round 2 against defending premiers Griffith University Colleges.
They will face the Knights, who cast aside Gold Coast Eagles 38-5 on Saturday, in Yarrabilba as part of the GCDRU’s country round concept.