By Liam Cook

Bond flyhalf Hayden Sargeant has revelled in his return to the Gold Coast.

The No.10 says his side possess the drive and resolve they need to finish strongly in season 2022.

“We’ve definitely got the skills, the ambition, and the capability of making the top four but it’s just about executing those skills under pressure and getting the results were after,” Sargeant told Rugby News.

The Bull Shark’s playmaker has observed an attitudinal rejuvenation at the club since returning this season.

“The move back’s been really good actually. I’ve felt like the club has got a lot more depth across all grades.” 

“It’s probably the first time I’ve seen the club pushing a solid fourth grade team with the amount of numbers.

“Especially in pre-season it was noticeable with the amount of guys pushing for that premier grade squad.”

Sargeant completed his first colts’ season on the Gold Coast before representative honours saw him travel far and wide.

“Was lucky enough to get signed to the Melbourne Rebels on an extended development squad and with their under twenties squad for a year before they cancelled the comp.”

“I moved back to the Gold Coast and joined the Reds under twenties academy. On the back end of that year, I made the Australian under twenties Oceania squad.”

Covid interrupted Sargeant’s involvement in another development squad with the Australian sevens and so he returned to premier grade footy.

After three years with Sunnybank, the No.10 put on the Bull Shark’s jersey again at the start of this year.

The playmaker guided his side to four wins from their opening five encounters and has gradually returned off the bench from a knee injury that has seen him sidelined for an extended period.

The Bull Shark’s extraordinary talent in attack has helped cover Sargeant’s absence.

“Everyone has impressed… the backline in general.”

“We’ve got such depth in our backline. It’s quite incredible if you went through the list of players and listed off each one of their accomplishments in rugby.”

Bond are precariously situated just outside the top four ahead of a clash with Souths this weekend.

The little wriggle room that Bond have to work with isn’t phasing the club’s upbeat attitude about their form and final’s prospects according to Sargeant.

“At the moment it’s all positive to be honest.”

“The game’s we’ve lost we probably don’t feel like we should’ve lost and I’m sure everyone says that when they lose.

“With the depth in our attack and the way we’re playing at the moment we feel like we can put points on teams.

“The top six at the moment is such a tight battle so you can’t really afford to lose one rolling into finals.”

Despite the gulf in competition points between the two sides, Bond won’t be taking anything for granted against Souths this weekend.

“Norths’ beat Easts the week before so we don’t really think there’s such a thing as an easy game this year.”

“This weekend maintaining possession is one of the big things for us and having clarity when we do.”

The Bull Sharks are sharpening their focus as the tussle for a top four spot heats up.

Sargeant believes an improvement in Bond’s “accuracy” and attention to detail will see them competing in September.