Fittock on fire with hat-trick for Bond

BOND University fullback Joey Fittock has burst out of the gates with a hat-trick to lead the race for Hospital Cup leading try-scorer honours after one round.

Fittock was the tip of the spear for the Bull Sharks as they diced up perennial Queensland Premier Rugby battlers Norths 34-21 on Saturday to sit second on the ladder.

Fittock, who turns 25 on Thursday, has embraced a leadership role as the elder statesman in an exciting back three for Bond after a stint with the Queensland Reds last season.

The lessons in professionalism learned rubbing shoulders with Brad Thorn’s crew have benefitted more than just his game, the flying fullback said.

“The skill level wasn’t a whole lot different from club to Super Rugby training, it was just the mentality of everyone trying to be the best player they could be,” Fittock (pictured) said.

“It’s about doing the little things and not cutting corners.

“I’ve been trying to ensure the standards are high across the group and help get those young guys coming up from Colts to keep that mentality.”

New recruit and former Waratahs and Sunwolves centre Tautalatasi Tasi will ensure Fittock and wingers Max Dowd, 21, and Dion Samuela, 20, are fed plenty of opportunities out wide as the season continues.

A line-bending ballrunner in midfield is something Bond have missed for years but Tasi’s addition is already producing value. “Tasi fits that role really well,” Fittock said.

Four of Bond’s six tries in round one were scored by their outside backs, with scrumhalf Liam Dillon and flanker Dylan Rowe scoring the remainder.