Kahu right for Bond

Former NZ rep Jordan Kahu will play for Bond. Picture: Getty Images

FORMER New Zealand international Jordan Kahu will make his rugby union debut for Queensland Reds feeder club Bond University on the Gold Coast this weekend.

Kahu, 30, played his last of 119 NRL matches for the Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys in 2020 but will begin a new journey on Saturday with the Wallabies coaching staff in attendance.

Kahu will feature off the bench for Bond against reigning Hospital Cup champions Easts for a Round 2 blockbuster that will also feature six Reds regulars released for the match.

Wallabies defence coach Matt Taylor said he was excited to see Kahu in action after following his rugby league career from afar.

“That is great news,” Taylor said. “It will be good to see what he looks like and how he goes.

“I’m sure if he does well there would be plenty of clubs who’d want to sign him up.”

Bond University general manger Luca Liussi said Kahu’s experience would be a valuable asset to the club which was knocked out of the finals by eventual premiers Easts last season.

“From our first meeting to training he’s been great,” Liussi said. “He hasn’t played rugby in a fair while so he has a bit of learning to do in the game in the way we play and our calls but he’s happy to do that.

“He’s a good footballer and obviously an exciting player who will find some space on a rugby field.”

Kahu’s NRL career ended last year when he was released by the Brisbane Broncos, having played two matches in the centres COVID-affected season.

Kahu is more likely to feature on the wing for the Bull Sharks, coming off the bench in the No.23 jersey as he adjusts to the new code.

Bond University has added starpower to its forward pack as well, with Queensland Reds hooker Alex Mafi, lock Angus Blyth and prop Zane Nonggorr available for selection due to Queensland’s Super Rugby bye round.

The Tigers have enjoyed similar good fortune, with Wallabies squad members Seru Uru and Liam Wright selected alongside Reds hooker Richie Asiata in a team strong enough on paper to go back-to-back in the Hospital Cup despite losing their opening round clash to Sunnybank 24-17.

The match kicks off at 3.05pm at Bond University.