Bond will enter the 2026 Hospital Cup season as defending premiers after a 2025 campaign that saw the Bull Sharks surge to their maiden premier grade title.

With renewed belief and greater depth across the squad, head coach Mick Heenan believes his side is capable of pushing for back-to-back premierships.

Overview with Mick Heenan:

“I look back with some pride, mainly because I know how hard the group worked,” Heenan told Rugby News.

“I’m really pleased that they played some good footy. Halfway through the year we weren’t expecting to go on the run that we did, but our confidence grew every week.

“The Easts game was probably the last one we lost and even then, we took some confidence out of it.

“We probably played our best footy in round 18 and through the semi and preliminary final. It was a real credit to the group’s perseverance.

“Even when things were going badly, they kept turning up.

“That’s probably the biggest takeaway: being able to persevere and keep moving forward even when results aren’t going your way.

“It’s really important for groups to stick together and keep working hard through those periods.

“Preseason has been really good. The guys are working hard, and we’ve got a lot more depth than we had last year.

“We’ve almost doubled our numbers across the grades compared to this time last year, which is really positive for the club.”

2025: Premiers (defeated Brothers 27-25 in grand final)

Ins: Wilson Parata (New Zealand), Ryan McGloin (Force Academy), Akuila Qoro (rugby league), Ollie Barrett (Force Academy), Will Rua (UQ), Kohan Herbert (Souths), Chris Humphries (GPS), Lachie Smith (Brumbies Academy), Cullin Cooper-Jones (England), Ethan Morgan (Hunter Wildfires)

Outs: Matt Engelbrecht (England), Monty Royston (England), Hamish Roberts (year off)

What sort of rugby will we see from Bond this year?

“It probably looks chaotic at times, but we are working to a plan most of the time,” Heenan said.

“We still want to play a fast, physical style and you’ll continue to see a lot of ball movement.

“Hopefully with another year of experience we’ll be a bit smarter in the way we play as well.”

Player(s) to watch:

“Wilson Parata has been training really well. He’s a new lock who can also play backrow and he’s been impressive,” Bond’s head coach said.

“Ryan McGloin has joined us from the Force Academy and looks sharp.

“We’ve also got a Fijian centre, Akuila Qoro, who is still learning the game but has shown a lot of potential.”

Which two teams will play in this year’s grand final?

“Bond and Brothers would be a nice rematch,” Heenan said.

“But there’s a long way to go.

“Wests will be there or thereabouts and I think UQ will be a lot stronger this year.

“I’ll stick with Bond and Brothers.”