Hamish Stewart: Three Bond Uni playmakers who could replace departing Queensland Red

Losing a Queensland Reds playmaker in the first week of pre-season is a bitter pill to swallow but Bond University will bank on a raft of rising flyhalves to pick up the slack.

Mitch Third, Keanu Tekiri and Matt Minogue will vie for the Bull Sharks starting No.10 jersey. Picture: Gold Coast Bulletin

Losing a Queensland Reds playmaker in the first week of pre-season is a bitter pill to swallow but Bond University will bank on a raft of rising flyhalves to pick up the slack.

Hamish Stewart’s Australian under-20s and Queensland Reds commitments the last three seasons have forced the Bull Sharks to lean on homegrown talent to steer their Premier Grade outfit in the past.

Queensland Premier Rugby. Bond University vs competition heavyweights Brothers. Bond's Mitch Third makes a break. Picture by Scott Fletcher

They’ll do that again in 2020 with several contenders battling for the chance to lead the club from flyhalf.

The obvious candidate is 26-year-old Mitch Third, who joined Bond from Sunnybank in 2016.

Third is a Gold Coast product who graduated through the vaunted The Southport School rugby program in 2013.

With two National Rugby Championship seasons under his belt at the Canberra Vikings and Queensland Country, Third is a polished option at this level capable of guiding Bond to the Finals.

“Mitch has done a really good job for us in the past,” coach Grant Anderson said.

“He’s a really loyal club player and a game manager with experience at Premier Grade level.”

Pushing Third for the No.10 jersey will be 19-year-old former Sydney schoolboy rugby and Australian under-18s representative Matt Minogue.

“Matt is an up-and-coming elite colt who was part of the University Rugby Championship Queensland Country team last year,” Anderson said.

Rugby player Matthew Minogue has earned a prestigious rugby scholarship with Bond University. (AAP IMAGE/ Angelo Velardo)

“He can play 12 and 15 as a Premier Grade player so we’re excited to develop him as a playmaker going forward.”

As a smoky, former Sydney Roosters prodigy Keanu Tekiri has hopped codes to rugby in search of another professional opportunity.

The former Palm Beach-Currumbin State High fullback/halfback signed a long-term contract with the Roosters aged 15 but failed to make the grade, returning to star with the Tugun Seahawks and Burleigh Bears.

Tugun's Keanu Tekiri in action at the Gold Coast Tweed Rugby League qualifying final between Tugun and Southport at Tugun on Sunday. Photo: Jerad Williams

“He’s played a lot of first class (rugby league) and he’s got great skills,” Anderson said.

“He plays flat to the line and challenges defences, creates time and space for players outside him.

“We’re trying to create competition across all positions but we’ll look at playing them in different positions to get our best depth on the field at one time.

“We’re hoping they’re happy to play in whatever position is best for the team.”