I agree that history will show Heeno as a dyed-in-the-wool 'Championship Whisperer'; but for myself - as a long-time Bond supporter - it was the building of a team and team culture over three to four years that has culminated in Bond's first ever premiership (as Bond). A key part of that has been the development of an 'attack from anywhere, at any time' mindset and an ability to clutch victory from the jaws of defeat (something seen more than once over the last few seasons).
Bond's willingness to blood in players on merit (no favourites, just those who can get the job done), potential (bringing through colts and lower grade players at the right time) and even mateship (Josh Canham coming to Bond after developing a close friendship with Rhian Stowers whilst playing Shute Shield at Eastwood) has seen the steady culmination of a champion team as well as the development of real onfield superstars before our eyes.
Settling on a mix of solid experience and fresh new talent has also been a key part of the mix. Forming a well-known game plan, but utilising new players who the opposition found difficult to read or anticipate was a master stroke.
...and then there were the 'ones who were ready when called upon'
Two players who - for 2 to 3 seasons - were always in the mix for greatness, but for one reason or another were overlooked. were injured, or had form lapses; giving them less time on field than they would have liked. Those two players got to show EVERY piece of talent and skill in their arsenals in mere seconds to pull off THE try that led to a maiden GF victory for Bond.
Dion Samuela and Hamish Roberts, take a bow. Never have two players been more deserving of rugby folklore and greatness than these two. They are the epitome of success through struggle, commitment, dedication and taking the knocks and getting right back up....then doing what they needed to do when called upon.
..and then Samuela backs that up with the superhuman tackle on David Fusitu'a that killed the try that would have seen Brothers win the GF.
The tight 5, the loosies, the flyhalves, the centre-pairing, the back three. They all worked together throughout the season to formulate and implement the perfect game; a QPR Grand Final win.
Mick Heenan added finesse and finetuning to a team that always had the potential to win. He is indeed a guru in that sense.
But there is one person who is absolutely deserving of any and all accolades and bouquets to be sent his way today and beyond. That person is Tyler Campbell. If Heeno is the guru, then Campbell is the master magician. His feats on and off field are phenomenal. He leads by example. He studies, advises, mentors and shapes the diverse individuals and personalities into a cohesive and formidable team unit. He communicates constantly. He is truly a player's player and a player's captain. He is a dream to coach, and he is an absolute spectacle to watch when he plies his trade on the field. It was truly magical.
Magic happened at Ballymore - 31 August 2025
