Pirates looking shipshape after amazing form U-turn

A YEAR ago the Bond Pirates were lamenting what went wrong.

Today, no matter what happens, the Pirates will be able to hold their heads high, having fought their way to the Gold Coast District Rugby semi- finals from a wooden-spoon finish in 2014.

But coach Lincoln Matehaere says the fairytale that is the Pirates’ turnaround in 2015 remains largely unspoken among the playing group.

“We haven’t really spoken about where it’s come from,” he said.

“We’re just looking towards the future.

“We know we’ve got the guys and the ability to do anything.

“It’s just our response on the day.

“It’s something we’ve been waiting for, definitely.”

The former Sunnybank women’s rugby sevens coach said he was convinced to return to the Pirates two years ago by his sons who had been a part of the struggling Pizzey Park unit in recent years. Matehaere says a recruiting drive to overhaul staff and playing rosters was key to putting the Pirates on course in the off-season.

Now they are only two wins from making the grand final.

First they must win tomorrow afternoon’s minor semi-final with the Helensvale Hogs. A win there would put them into the preliminary final next week against the loser of Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast Eagles.

Matehaere says the Pirates will take on the Hogs with a fully fit side and is confident the Pirates can win at home.

“Our boys have been training really well despite the rain the other night,” he said.

“Being a home game it’s very important and we haven’t been in the semis for a long, long time.”

The Pirates’ clash with the Hogs is at 3.15pm tomorrow at Pizzey Park.

Today, the Surfers Paradise Dolphins will go head to head with the Gold Coast Eagles in the major semi-final clash at Heeb St in Benowa at 3.15pm.