By Adam Sheldon

GPS head coach Matt Cockbain said his side’s ability to control territory proved the difference as his side upset Bond with a thrilling one-point win on the Gold Coast, handing last year’s premiers their first loss of the season.

After a narrow opening round loss to Brothers and a round two bye, Cockbain’s side – which finished outside the finals last season – travelled south as underdogs but produced a composed performance to claim their first win of 2026.

“It’s nice to get the first one away,” Cockbain told Rugby News.

“We fought right to the end against Brothers and couldn’t get across the line, so it was nice to go on with it this week.

“There’s still plenty to work on, but the boys are happy. The Gold Coast has been a tough place for GPS to go down to – someone was saying it’s about nine or so years since we’ve won down there.”

GPS led 15–7 at halftime and extended that advantage to 22–7 early in the second half, appearing to be cruising to victory.

However, Bond rallied late, with a 79th-minute try to Lachie Smith cutting the margin to a single point, setting up a tense finish.

“We probably did our best to lose it at the end,” Cockbain said.

“We’ve got to learn to control the tempo at the back end. We got a little bit narrow in defence and they got around us a couple of times, which put us on the back foot.

“It’s about getting the detail right every single time and not missing it through fatigue. You’ve got to be able to execute under fatigue, and that’s what we’re trying to encourage.”

Asked where the game was won, Cockbain said it came down to territory control.

“We controlled position and the areas we played in generally pretty well, apart from the back end when they came at us,” he said.

“It’s a good lesson for our game control. We’re lucky to have guys like Bryce Hegarty and James Martens who understand the importance of territory and a strong kicking game.

“Off the back of that, it’s about kick-chasing well and putting pressure on the opposition when they’re trying to exit.

“We scored a charge-down try early and I thought we did a good job pressuring their kickers. Winning the territory battle better than they did was probably the difference in the end.”

Martens, the 20-year-old halfback on the books with the Reds, was again influential and continues to build on his strong start to the season.

“He just needs an opportunity. He’s an outstanding young halfback – big for his position, robust and he challenges the line well,” Cockbain said.

“He can also play multiple positions, which a lot of halfbacks can’t, so his understanding of roles across the team is really strong.

“It’s great to have him back with us. I’m sure he’d like to be with the Reds, but we’re happy to have him for as long as possible.”

While the win over Bond could prove an important confidence boost early in the season, Cockbain was quick to emphasise the need for consistency, with a local derby against Wests looming.

“The challenge now is backing it up,” he said. “There are no easy games in this competition. You’ve got to bring your best every week.”

Around the grounds:

Wests will provide that next test after recording their first win of the season, defeating Sunnybank 29–19 to get their campaign underway.

Elsewhere, Easts maintained their unbeaten start with a 40–29 victory over Souths in the weekend’s other derby, while Norths continued their strong form with a 54–32 win over UQ.

Cockbain said the results highlighted the competitiveness of this year’s Hospital Cup.

“Norths have started really well, two from three, and the challenge for them is to keep backing that up week to week,” he said.

“The other interesting one is Wests – they’re on the board now and will be looking to string a few together, but we’ll be doing our best to stop that.

“It’s our local derby and it always draws a crowd. There’s a lot of interest around it in the western suburbs.”