Bernstein keen to cement his place
JUSTIN Bernstein crunches numbers for a living.
So when the accountant entered the Queensland Premier Rugby season battling with rookie Matt Minogue to be Bond University’s third flyhalf in line – and that’s not counting Reds-contracted Hamish Stewart – it probably was plain to see that he mightn’t add too many first grade starts to his tally.
Entering his 10th year at the club, Bernstein had played “five or six” games at the premier level. To put that into perspective, he reached his 100-match milestone last weekend.
But with Mitch Third injured and Dion Taumata unavailable, Bernstein – hailed by coach Grant Anderson as a “popular” figure around the club – has grabbed his chance.
Bernstein is scheduled to make his third consecutive premier grade start at No.10 for a Bond outfit that’s chasing their third straight win when they host ladder leaders Brothers this afternoon.
“This is the most extended run I’ve had in the prems ever,” the 27-year-old said. “It is a step up, absolutely. “The speed of the game is definitely quicker but I have really good players either side of me. It has been good having Harry Nucifora on my inside doing a lot of the talking, that helps me a lot.
“Brothers this week are top of the table so it is a huge test but if we want to play footy at the end of the season you have got to win these games.”
With Third making his long-awaited return from injury in reserve grade this weekend, the competition for spots is heating up again.
But if the Bull Sharks keep winning with Bernstein steering the ship, Anderson might have little option but to keep him there.
“Everyone wants to play in the top team so to get the opportunity has been awesome,” Bernstein said.
“We have just got to keep stringing the wins together and I might be able to keep my spot.”
Bernstein is a product of The Southport School, having moved to the Gold Coast from Durban, South Africa, at the age of 13.
“I still love the Springboks but Australia is a close second now,” he said of his stance as a Test rugby fan.
The Bull Sharks are sixth on the ladder, just two points out of the top four.
THE SPEED OF THE GAME IS DEFINITELY QUICKER BUT I HAVE REALLY GOOD PLAYERS EITHER SIDE OF ME
JUSTIN BERNSTEIN