By TOM PRIMMER

A Joey Fittock hat-trick propelled Bond to a comprehensive victory over Norths in Round 1 as the Bullsharks confirmed they will again be a premiership threat in 2021.

The Gold Coasters opened up a 22-7 lead by the half-time break, with their potent attack proving too much for the young Norths outfit at the Canal, although the Eagles cut down the deficit in the second stanza.

Fittock was at his elusive best at fullback, while Liam Dillon picked up where he left off in 2020 with another assured performance at scrumhalf.