‘Haven't won anything’: Bulls dethrone reigning champs, far from finished business in GCDRU

The Nerang Bulls have earned redemption from last year’s heartbreaking prelim final loss, dethroning the Griffith Uni Colleges Knights by 20 points in their round 5 clash including three tries from the skipper. Hear from head coach Te Ari Mahuri about his next steps to premiership glory:

Uni vs. Hogs. Tyran Isaac. 12 August 2023 Ashmore Picture by Richard Gosling

The Nerang Bulls have earned redemption from last year’s heartbreaking prelim final loss, dethroning the Griffith Uni Colleges Knights 34-14 in their round 5 clash.

Amongst the action, stand-in skipper Tyran Isaac clocked on three tries of his own including a back-to-back show in the second half.

“Tyran took over the leadership role for the first time with our captain out injured.

“He played his heart out, got three tries, made some tackles and got us turnovers ... he was damaging all-round,” head coach Te Ari Mahuri said.

Uni vs. Hogs. Tyran Isaac. 12 August 2023 Ashmore Picture by Richard Gosling

Mahuri was more than pleased with his side’s efforts but isn’t letting it distract him from the big picture: the premiership trophy.

“I said in the lead up it’s just a another game and we haven’t won anything yet.

“We’re still teething at the moment so it’s very exciting for the boys,” he said.

Despite the 20-point gap, it was a tough and hard-fought battle that went mostly try-for-try.

The Bulls were missing 10 men from their usual roster, out with niggling injuries and suspensions.

“I know they (Knights) did too, but at the end of the day it’s an even playing field,” Mahuri said.

“Knights will always give it to us regardless of who plays, they’re the champs for a reason.

“No surprises there and they could have come back at anytime.”

The Knights last year cut Nerang’s story short in the preliminary final, going over for a miracle try in the 83rd minute and progressing to the grand final where they secured their fourth premiership in as many years.

Nerang Bulls vs Surfers Paradise Dolphins GCDRU clash. Nerang Player Logan Watene Pic Mike Batterham

“To bury those demons on this field is pretty special.

“We’ve got to beat the best to be the best... our plan worked today.”

Nerang face the Coomera Crushers next week, who experienced their first win of the season against PBC in round 5.

Though stakes are lower, game plans remain the same.

“If we want to be competitive we’ve got to keep winning this competition,” Mahuri said.

“Coomera are at the bottom of the table but they’re just like us ... two arms, two legs and as tough as us.”

Complete results

Colleges Knights def. 14-34 by Nerang Bulls

Helensvale Hogs def. 31-45 by Surfers Paradise Dolphins

Gold Coast Eagles 17-10 def. Bond Pirates

Coomera Crushers 16-0 def. PBC Alleygators