By Liam Cook

GPS’ front rower Jack Straker believes his side will continue their strong form ahead of a decisive  clash with Bond at Yoku Road this Saturday.

“We’re the only team to have only lost two games out of everyone which definitely says something about us and how we’ve been going so far,” Straker told Rugby News.

The Galloper’s climbed back into the top four last week after a hard-fought win over Sunnybank.

GPS’ will be hoping to further entrench their current standing on the ladder with a win over the fifth placed Bond.

The Bull Shark’s win over GPS in round three has provided plenty for the Galloper’s to reflect on this week according to Straker.

“Last time we played them it was a bit wet down the coast and they put pressure on us early and we didn’t really respond.”

Having been the only team other than Brothers that GPS have lost to this season, the Galloper’s are well aware of the threats Bond possess.

“Bond are a great side, they defend really well, they get up in your face and put a lot of pressure on. They’re quite clinical… they smother you,” Straker said.

“They’ve got a good set piece and good game management kicking to corners and playing a territorial game.”

Ever the team first man, Straker says his side has done remarkably well to be positioned where they are at this stage of the year given the adversity the club has faced.

“If you give us back those five points that we lost for the compliance issue early in the season than we are right up there.”

“We’ve had a few lapses in certain games that have cost us and if we had a few injuries throughout the year. I know everyone could say that but we’ve had some major players that have been massive parts of seasons and particular games in the last few years that we really haven’t seen much of at all this year unfortunately.”

The Galloper’s have been unable to unearth some new talent as a result of an injury interrupted 2022 campaign.

“In saying that, it’s paved the way for some younger guys and guys coming up through the ranks to get their opportunity and they’re really performing as well,” he said.

Straker has been a consistently reliable performer as part of GPS front row this season.

A Galloper from a young age, he says the team’s performance and development of younger players is his primary focus.

“On a personal level I probably don’t commit as much time into my rugby as I did a few years ago. I’ve got different priorities with work and other bits and pieces now so rugby doesn’t get as much attention as it used to.”

“I’m really enjoying my footy and I’ve always got things to improve on.

“The team’s going well so that’s my main priority.”

After an extended stint in New Zealand and an opportunity with the Reds during the covid influenced 2020 season, Straker is back at the club he joined when he was five years old.

The No.3 is full of admiration for the performances of a pair of new GPS’ recruits so far this year.

“I think Tasi Tasi has been massive for us, he’s been really influential. He’s big, he’s strong, he’s fast, he’s skilful, he’s a leader, he quicks well, he’s the whole package and he’ll be a massive loss for us.”

“Hudson Meyer our halfback has been unreal, I think he’s the best halfback in the comp. 

“He’s getting better every week, he’s aggressive in defence and quick in attack, he’s got a great pass on him and kicks very well. 

“I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t go on to higher honours in the next couple of years.”

Straker says a major reason for GPS consistency is reigning in their ill-discipline from earlier in the season.

“Putting the foot down and not having lapses that cost us a try or penalty is something we have been better at.”

“I think our discipline’s really improved it was quite poor at the start of the season but it’s gotten better the last few weeks so that’s definitely key.”

The remainder of the year still presents GPS with opportunities for improvement.

“Staying drilled and staying patient with our shape around the field and trusting ourselves to execute in critical moments.”

“Just continuing to sharpen the sword and put together good consistent performances for eighty-minutes.”