Connor Pritchard, Max Dowd, Harry Nucifora, Zach Moimoi and Joey Fittock all having big years for Bond University Bull Sharks

The Bulletin takes a look at five Bond University rugby players who have shone through so far in 2019.

BOND University are yet again walking the Queensland Premier Rugby finals tightrope and after narrowly missing the cut in 2016 as well as last year, they’re hoping they can end up on the right side of the equation this time around.

Having knocked off GPS last weekend in an impressive 37-26 victory, the Bull Sharks can really move within striking distance if they can beat sixth placed Easts up at Norman Park on Saturday afternoon.

ONE REASON EACH GCDRU CLUB SHOULD BE EXCITED

The Bulletin takes a look at five Bond players who have shone through so far in 2019.

CONNOR PRITCHARD

Bull Sharks flanker Connor Pritchard. Picture: Cavan Flynn

Pritchard is the latest successful case of a standout Gold Coast District Rugby Union player stepping up to test themselves at premier rugby level with Bond.

The Zimbabwean openside flanker has played every minute of every game this season and has impressed coach Grant Anderson with his dominance at the breakdown.

MAX DOWD

John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholarship winners Lachlan Connors and Max Dowd. Picture: Supplied

There are many members of the Bull Sharks backline that have done their bit but kudos must be paid to Dowd, who is enjoying a very solid rookie campaign.

The highly rated youngster, who captained The Southport School to a shared premiership in 2017 and received a John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholarship, has been a constant force in covering both wing and fullback.

HARRY NUCIFORA

Harry Nucifora. Picture: Jerad Williams

The 22-year-old scrumhalf has shown exactly why he was the right man to be entrusted with the captaincy, offering maturity and calmness in spades to lead the side forward.

Nucifora’s form has been very strong too, prompting commentator Dallan Murphy to sing his praises: “He is a class act and he is probably someone who should be playing professional rugby if not here then somewhere else.”

ZACH MOIMOI

Zach Moimoi runs the ball. Picture: Stephen Tremain

Moimoi started the season in Western Australia before returning to Bond and boy are they glad he did. With no Tai Ford in 2019 and Nuku Swerling suffering a fractured neck, Moimoi has taken on the No.8 jersey with aplomb.

Anderson described his efforts against GPS as “immense” and put his name forward for higher honours: “How he is not playing Super Rugby, I don’t know.”

JOEY FITTOCK

Bond University's Joey Fittock. Picture: Jerad Williams

Fittock made a mark in his first year at Robina last winter and has backed it up by being a massive threat to opposition sides.

Anderson believes he is the best attacking fullback in the competition and he proved it again against GPS, scoring “two tries that I don’t think any other player in the comp could have scored.”