‘That’s in the past’: Nerang unphased by rival Knights’ four-peat premiership history ahead of GCDRU semi finals

Nerang have claimed their first GCDRU first grade minor premiership in two decades, and now face the four-peat premiership Knights in Saturday’s major semi final. Hear what coach Te Ari Mahuri said of the clash:

GCDRU 1st grade round 7 - Nerang Bulls vs. Helensvale Hogs. Kyle Lotz. 25 May 2024 Nerang Picture by Richard Gosling

The Nerang Bulls have claimed their first GCDRU first grade minor premiership in two decades, but the job isn’t done yet.

Their major semi final match up against the Griffith Uni Colleges Knights is set for Saturday August 10 at Helensvale Rugby Union Club.

It’s a simple equation. Win - go to the grand final. Lose - play in next week’s prelim for a second chance, against the winner of third v fourth (Surfers Paradise Dolphins v Gold Coast Eagles).

Bulls head coach Te Ari Mahuri said they’re not relying on that elusive second chance.

“We’ve come this far to be 14-and-0 ... we’re not looking at losing,” he said.

“We’re going to win on Saturday and go straight through to the grand final, that’s our mentality.”

While breaking the minor premiership drought offered Nerang something to celebrate, the big dance really is all that matters.

“It does mean a lot to the club and a lot to the playing group,” Mahuri said.

GCDRU 1st grade round 7 - Nerang Bulls vs. Helensvale Hogs. Kyle Lotz. 25 May 2024 Nerang Picture by Richard Gosling

“But like I always say, no one remembers the minor premiers.

“We’ve just got to get the job done and look forward to the grand final.”

The Bulls were last year knocked out of grand final contention by their Knights rivals in the prelim final. In the dying minutes. It’s not something they wish to go through again, and Mahuri is confident this time will go their way.

“We’ve played the best that (Knights) have and they’ve thrown a lot at us but we’re ready for anything and everything.

“It’s about us, not them anymore,” he said.

“Yes they’re the reigning champs and have won four in-a-row but that’s in the past.

“This is the new.”

GCDRU 1st grade round 7 - Nerang Bulls vs. Helensvale Hogs. 25 May 2024 Nerang Picture by Richard Gosling

A majority of Nerang’s lineup remains unchanged, the lone shuffle being in the halves with Jarrod Nyssen away in New Zealand.

“All season we’ve had players out and it’s just been next man up.

“Him being away doesn't change much except for who’s wearing the jersey.”

Mahuri said the game would ultimately come down to defence.

“Defence always wins games.

“We showed that last week against the (Surfers Paradise) Dolphins ... put 59 points on them and kept them to one try.

“We know we can score tries and score points so defence will be the key.”

Originally published as ‘That’s in the past’: Nerang unphased by rival Knights’ four-peat premiership history ahead of GCDRU semi finals