How Gold Coast District Rugby Union is suddenly enjoying tightest competition in years

Sometimes it takes a step backwards to move forwards – just in Gold Coast District Rugby Union’s case, the second part has happened pretty well instantaneously.

SOMETIMES it takes a step backwards to move forwards – just in Gold Coast District Rugby Union’s case, the second part has happened pretty well instantaneously.

Over the summer, Coolangatta Tweed were replaced after years of struggles by second grade premiers Nerang.

On the eve of Round 1, the competition was thrown into disarray by Palm Beach Currumbin Alleygators’ sudden exit, or so it seemed.

What has in fact transpired is by far the best first grade competition seen on the Gold Coast in years.

Action from Round 1 between the Bond Pirates and Nerang Bulls.

Gone are the days of every second game being a lopsided flogging. No team is unbeaten and of the 20 games played so far this season, half have been decided by a margin of 10 points or less.

Surfers Paradise’s five wins have all been in that bracket, including thrillers against the current bottom two clubs, Bond Pirates and Gold Coast Eagles.

RECRUIT’S PERFECT TIMING FOR BOND

The ‘Big Three’ of Griffith University Colleges, Surfers and Helensvale are still leading the way but they are no longer anywhere near untouchable. Even between that trio, there is no clear standout.

Helensvale pushed Colleges to the brink in a 24-21 result in Round 5. Picture: Richard Gosling

Nerang have been right on the money from Round 1, the Pirates are a tough prospect week in, week out, and the Eagles are making progress.

There is a feeling that for too long, first grade was filled with too many players not quite up to it.

The reduction to six teams has effectively created a better spread of talent, although seven is still considered the magic number.

Seven teams allows for a bye which in turn is advantageous from an injury management standpoint.

The Alleygators are likely the best team to fill that void in the future, when they are ready, given their profile, presence at the southern end of the Coast and a proud premiership-winning history.

The Pirates and Eagles have been competitive despite sitting fifth and sixth on the ladder. Picture: Mike Batterham

GCDRU chairman Kim Bending hopes the district’s perceived step backwards to six teams can instead translate into improved player retention and interest.

“Success breeds success. You know that whether you play for Eagles or Griffith that you are going to get a good game of rugby and you’re going to be a chance of winning it,” he said.

There’s a lot to like about the proactive approach being shown to public schools, the Scenic Rim and women’s sevens.

Further efforts to get an under-17 Gold Coast comp up this season – and potentially an under-19 colts division as soon as next year – spell only good things for the future of first grade rugby.

“By the year 2022, I certainly believe that a colts competition and under-17s will contribute to our senior comp firing on all cylinders,” Bending said.

The signs are good for a code working overtime to win back support not only on the Coast but around the country.