Despite sitting sixth on the ladder with just four wins to their name so far this season, almost everyone you speak to around clubland seems certain Bond are still a smoky this season. 

Under new coach Mick Heenan, last year’s minor premiers are yet to fire on full cylinders in 2024, but star outside back Rhian Stowers seems confident his side’s best isn’t too far away. 

“We’ve been a bit of a mixed bag so far this year,” Stowers told Rugby News. 

“We’ve been competing against all the best teams in the competition but our last 10 minutes in most games has really let us down. 

“We haven’t had as much experience as we’ve had in previous years, but as the season has gone on, some of those colts that have come into grade have really adjusted to the intensity of first grade and I think it’s starting to click for them.”

In a sign the Bull Shark’s best might not be too far away, Bond beat UQ and Sunnybank before a bye and matched it Wests until late in their round 12 clash. 

“We’ve been playing a different brand of footy under Mick (Heenan),” Stowers explained. 

“In the past we’ve thrown the ball around a lot and risked it all, this year we’ve got a bit more structure in our game plan and long term, I think it’ll really beneficial.

“We know better than anyone how long a season is and how much teams can change over the course of a year. 

“Last year, we had a great regular season but then couldn’t quite match some of the others in the finals. We’re hoping we can do the reverse in 2024.”

Stowers won the Alec Evans Medal last year as the Hospital Cup’s best player and while his form in 2024 has been equally as impressive, he’s also spent a lot of this year mentoring some of the younger players on the Gold Coast. 

“I’ve spent a lot more time working with the younger guys and making sure that our communication is strong from the back.

“Last year, I was really just worried about playing my own game and that was okay because we had a lot more experience around us but it’s different now. 

“We’ve got some serious talent coming through. Zeb Mislos in the backrow is probably the one that has stood out the most, he’s got a big future ahead of him. 

“You can see he was getting caught on a few little things that he probably could have got away with in colts. 

“But he’s starting to understand the difference between grade and colts and his recent performances have been really impressive.”

Bond face Norths this week before tough clashes against Jeeps and Brothers. They finish the season against Souths and UQ and will need to win at least two or three matches against teams above them on the ladder if they want to return to the finals this season. 

But Stowers said his side isn’t looking past Norths on Saturday. 

“You can’t take anyone easy because everyone is capable on winning on their day,” he said. 

“It’s a cliche but we’ve just got to take it one week at a time and keep stacking wins together. If we can do that, then we should be a good chance of playing finals.”