By TOM PRIMMER

Bond University v Norths | Bond University Rugby Club | 3:05pm

After a maiden finals appearance last season, Bond are a club on the rise, and they’ll look to continue that trend this season.

The Bullsharks again boast arguably the competition’s most dangerous backline, with the likes of Dan Boardman, Joey Fittock, Dion Samuela and new recruit Tautalatasi Tasi providing strike across the park.

Experienced professional and former Italian Sevens representative James Ambrosini will partner Liam Dillon in the halves, while Connor Pritchard will play at important role at openside flanker.

They’ll take on a gritty Norths side with plenty of firepower of their own.

Captain Jordan Luke is back after a season with the Western Force, as is Connor Chittenden following a year playing Shute Shield.

Tonga Ma’afu will start at hooker alongside the promising Paulo Leleisiuao, with young halves pairing Liam Prendergast and Jacob Prideaux sure to improve after their first full season of First Grade.

New head coach Pat Byron said his side is fit and ready after a positive pre-season at Shaw Road.

“Our focus will be on ball control, and competing for all of the 80 minutes,” Byron said.

“I think all our forwards will play a big part this weekend. Our front row in particular need to set a good platform for us up front.

“Bond will bring a lot of confidence, coming off the back of finishing third will give them a lot of belief, so we will know that we are going to need to really play well to beat them.”