Top sides first up for Bull Sharks

THE ultimate challenge awaits Bond University players when they start their AON 7s campaign at Easts Rugby Club in Brisbane this weekend.

The Bull Sharks clash with reigning champion UQ in their first game before taking on last year’s grand finalist Griffith in the second.

Bond coach Setu Naseri said there was no better benchmark to test his side in the opening round of the Queensland regional qualifiers.

“It’s a challenge taking on the best two teams in the country to start the tournament,” Naseri said.

“It’s a great opportunity to see where are at. We don’t think we are far away from competing with the best and a good start could really set up our tournament.

“If we can knock them over early, then we are really set for a good weekend.”

The sevens series has a new format with two rounds of regional qualifiers being played before a national final to be hosted by Bond University.

The Bull Sharks hope to put in a strong performance based of controlling field position and momentum to earn a top three spot and progress to the national final.

“It’s a bit of the unknown, I think most teams are a little underdone with their preparations thanks to the weather,” Naseri said.

“The key will be getting a really good start to build confidence and momentum.

“We need to control the ball and where the game is played.

“If we do that, make good contact, hopefully we can use our skills and get some good results.”