RUGBY POWER RANKS

WHO RULES THE COAST?

1. BOND UNI (1STS)

The Gold Coast’s flagship rugby union team suffered their first loss of the season to ladderleaders GPS in the Hospital Challenge Cup but took the scalps of defending premiers Easts in a three-match winning streak to open the year. The Bull Sharks could yet prove the best club team in Queensland, let alone the Gold Coast.

2. BOND UNI (2NDS)

Bond’s second grade outfit only won their first match of the season last weekend but still have the firepower to overcome local heavyweights Colleges and Helensvale if push came to shove. Former Wallaby Lloyd Johannson has brought heavy-hitting power to a midfield combination with talented centre Ronan Kapi.

3. COLLEGES (1STS) University

The Griffith Universitybased side have set the benchmark in local rugby for the past five seasons and 2021 is proving no different. They earned their rank atop the GCDRU competition with a narrow escape act against Helensvale, prevailing 24-21 with a late penalty goal. Captain Jaye Paton is arguably the competition’s best player while former Premier Grade stars Richie Kingi, Cass Walding and Tereina McLean also shine.

4. BOND UNI (3RDS)

Bond’s final senior team has plenty of talent, including former Australian Schools No.10 Matt Minogue and Canadian U20s forward Lachie Currie. Nerang proved the GCDRU competition is roughly the equivalent of fourth grade in the QRU during pre-season so a third-grade team who tied the defending champs belongs here.

5. HELENSVA LE(1STS)

After starting the 2021 season on fire, putting 50 points on the Gold Coast Eagles and 39 past semi-finalists PBC, Helensvale will feel aggrieved they rank below Bond’s thirds and arch rivals Colleges. Star recruits Lausii Taliauli (Brumbies) and Reno Gerrard (Souths) are averaging more than a try per match.

6. NERANG (1STS)

After pushing Colleges to the brink in round one the Bulls have scored 11 tries in two weeks but still lack the class of the GCDRU sides ranked ahead of them. Flanker Tom Coombs has enjoyed his best start to a season yet and his four tries have helped cover the loss of injured fullback Will Bird (hand) in back-to-back wins.

7. BOND (1STS)

The Pirates are on pace for a finals fina berth, sitting third on the ladder after three weeks. The whipping boys of Gold Coast rugby since 2019, Bond have punched above their weight every week under new coach Buck Heron. Bradley Plant at No.8 and Damien Timms in the backs have taken their games to new heights.

8. COOMERA (1STS)

The Crushers have won just one match this season after shrinking from three grades to one, but in beating Surfers Paradise showed the form that made them one of the most feared teams of 2020. Centre Tyrell Forbes is the real deal with three tries in as many weeks.

9. SURFERS (1STS)

The Dolphins had no place on this list even a week ago but in dominating Palm Beach Currumbin 31-19 are tracking in the right direction. Young gun Indiha Saotui-Huta has scored 25 per cent of the club’s total tries with two of eight. Expect more when Surfers take on down-on-form rivals Eagles this weekend.

10.PALMBEACH (1STS)

There is no more frustrating team on the Gold Coast than the Alleygators, who can swing from scoring 26 points in a half against Helensvale to aimless depending on where the wind blows. They’ve missed top contributors early in the season but until we see consistency they will struggle to climb this list or the GCDRU ladder.