Bulls charge to GCDRU big dance, Eagles soar over Surfers in minor semi-final upset

The Nerang Bulls have secured a spot in the GCDRU first grade grand final for the first time since 2006, while the Gold Coast Eagles are one step closer after knocking out Surfers Paradise in Sunday’s minor semi clash. Full story:

GCDRU major semi final between Colleges Knights and Nerang Bulls. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The Nerang Bulls have secured a spot in the Gold Coast and District Rugby Union first grade grand final for the first time since 2006, defeating Griffith Uni Colleges Knights 22-8 in a stellar semi-final performance at Helensvale Saturday evening.

It adds to the club’s so far spotless record in 2024, having not lost a game yet.

Bulls coach Te Ari Mahuri admitted he’d gone into the clash confident and that feeling paid off.

“All we had to do was play rugby in our half ... knowing we had the fitness and the structure to beat them,” he said.

“I know finals rugby is a different beast, but I was always confident.”

GCDRU major semi final between Colleges Knights and Nerang Bulls. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Mahuri said even with the wind behind them in the second half, he couldn’t breathe a sigh of relief until full-time.

“In finals anything can happen,” he said.

“You can’t take anything away from them (Knights), they’re the four-time champs.”

The Knights put a halt on Bulls’ grand final chances in both the 2022 and 2023 preliminary finals, a record which only sweetens this year’s efforts so far.

GCDRU major semi final between Colleges Knights and Nerang Bulls. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Despite coming out on top, Mahuri praised Knights as a team to look up to.

“We’re only dreaming of being as good as that so hopefully one day we’ll get there but right now we’re focusing on this season.

“This is our year.”

Winger Kyle Lotz scored the first of Nerang’s three tries, on top of two from two conversion attempts and a penalty goal.

The second and third tries came at the hands of skipper Sheldon Fidow and Maiz George respectively.

“My No.7 Taniora Raniera was my most valuable player today,” Mahuri said.

“Sheldon being our captain also led from the front.

“I know it’s cliche but it was a 23-man performance.”

GCDRU major semi final between Colleges Knights and Nerang Bulls. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Bulls may have secured the win, but three blood bins and a knee injury left them reaching for players in the dying minutes - at one point playing with only 14 men on the field.

“It’s lucky we got through that game,” Mahuri said.

“With the week off we can nurse all our injuries.

“It wasn’t perfect, it’s never perfect, but (I’m) very happy.

“It’s games like that you need to win and now we have a week off, we reflect and we move on.”

The Surfers Paradise Dolphins and Gold Coast Eagles went head-to-head on Sunday afternoon to decide who would meet Knights in next week’s preliminary final, with the Bulls laying in wait the following week.

Surfers Paradise v GC Eagles

Sunday’s minor semi-final was a do-or-die affair for the Dolphins and Eagles.

The sides had met twice during the season and were 1-1 on paper, but despite being poised as underdogs, Eagles soared to claim a 24-20 victory.

They will face Knights this Saturday August 17 in the preliminary final, the winner proceeding to the grand final against Nerang on August 24.

Try scorers: Tia Ford, Bailey Bocock (Dophins), Kieran Thomad, Jayden Waharoa (Eagles)