Bond University have stamped themselves as title contenders in 2021 with a comprehensive win 36-14 over reigning premiers Easts in Round 2. 

The Gold Coasters ran in six tries to the Tigers’ two at the Canal, with Alex Mafi scoring a hat-trick in what was a statement victory for the Bullsharks. 

After establishing a 17-nil lead by the half-time break, the ruthless Bond outfit continued to press ahead in the second stanza to eventually claim a 22-point win. 

Anchored by Mafi and fellow Red Zane Nonggorr, the Bond set-piece impressed, with the hosts scoring a number of rolling maul tries in a vast contrast to their last encounter with Easts where the Tigers pack simply dominated their counterparts in the scrum. 

Classy centre Tautalatasi Tasi scored a double, while Joey Fittock also crossed the line for his fourth try of the season in just his second game. 

Former rugby league international Jordan Kahu made his Queensland Premier Rugby debut in the win, showcasing the huge depth in the Bond backline this year. 

The Bullsharks will face Sunnybank next round, with the Dragons defeating Easts in their only game of 2021. 

A second consecutive loss leaves a number of questions for the defending premiers, with the Tigers lacking punch in attack and at set-piece time in comparison to their 2020 efforts. 

Reds trio Liam Wright, Seru Uru and Richie Asiata failed to have an impact, with Easts needing to improve against GPS at Tigerland this weekend.