QLD Premier Rugby 2026

[NORM]

Interesting I was talking to few Souths boys during the week who played under Dammers/O’Connor regime & also played under Morgan.
They said the difference in culture was night and day.

Dammers/O’Connor were about building the club & developing players. Morgan was about himself & his success. Burnt players with that attitude.

Worth noting one of the boys I spoke to said at the time he was critical of Dammers as he was hard on him as a players
ut when he had an injury this season, the first call he got was from Dammers from Chicago to check in.

Souths management have allowed some crazy calls to be made by GM due to personal insecurities, none more puzzling than the sacking of O’Connor, Samoa and the immensely successful & popular 2nd Grade Coach Nick Foley.

Souths look a different club in 2025 than what they did in 2022. The 2022 was stocked with young up and coming talent. They have now all departed to chase success at other clubs… Such a shame for the Magpies.

The buck stops at the top.
The management has abrogated its decision making responsibility and taken no action as the club continues its downward spiral
Surely, the members will take some action

 

[Full Mark]

The buck stops at the top.
The management has abrogated its decision making responsibility and taken no action as the club continues its downward spiral
Surely, the members will take some action

That would mean accountability… it’s in short supply at the place currently.

They are happy to carry on in there current state, as long as the same people get to continue to make the decisions.

Time for a full clean out to allow this next “rebuild” to take place.

 

[hdnmstsnr]

Gicquel would be a huge loss for GPS.

I didn't know he had moved down that way or worked that way. He originally came from the Sunny Coast when the Stingrays fell over many years ago.

The Bullsharks would welcome the ex-Maleny Bushranger with open arms!!

 

[hughjardon69]

Gicquel would be a huge loss for GPS.

I didn't know he had moved down that way or worked that way. He originally came from the Sunny Coast when the Stingrays fell over many years ago.

Love does mysterious things mate

 

[LevitatingSocks]

think its 7/8 clubs in 8/9 years or something like that now.

Wests qld
UQ
West harbour
Warringah
Manly
St george
Some NSW gen blue systems
Now sunnybank

The number one hiring consideration for a coach is the number of views he gets on Tiktok and Instagram Reels.

 

[Cole]

Anyone knoe whst clib Volavola is likely to align with? Be a good signing as he'll probably play a fair bit of qpr

 

[Red Runner]

Well I’m pretty sure his grandad played for Brothers and Teachers. If that means anything.

 

[Trev]

Well I’m pretty sure his grandad played for Brothers and Teachers. If that means anything.

Peni was at Teachers which ended up Norths. Earlier on at Brothers but not for long.

 

[hdnmstsnr]

As a result of direct conversations with Bond players and coaching staff, I can say that there is a solid acceptance that the general QLD-based rugby public - and especially those on this particular forum - tend not to rate the club, its coaches or its wider playing stock as anything significant going into 2026 and beyond. 'We won 9 in a row to get the goods, and it hardly made a blip on the radar. We are an anomaly to them', said one player. One coach said 'We could win 5 premierships in a row and we wouldn't rate a mention in the upper levels of the sport'.

...and they prefer it that way.

With Bond players (men and women) going on to make names for themselves in other countries or with other codes - or both; and with Bond coaches being enticed to work for Super Rugby franchises other than the Reds - or being offered national coaching opportunities offshore; it is nice to know someone somewhere is taking notice. Whilst there may be talks, meetings and all manner of discussions taking place at present, the current tone is 'We are here to get more trophies and develop more phenomenal players, and we have only really just started.'

If it means they end up developing and grooming players for other codes or other countries because Rugby Australia prefers to look elsewhere, then so be it. Either way, they will have done their job, and done it well.

This becomes an even more interesting topic of conversation when one takes into account the number of players - good and great players - who are seeking to wear Bullsharks jerseys in 2026. Five well-known QPR-related names have been spoken in low tones at the club regarding a 2026 line-up, with the ex-Nerang Bull and ex-Maleny Bushranger leading that pack. Add to that the three names touted as returning to Bond in 2026 and the young players who made names for themselves in 2025.... there will be huge competition to make the 1st Grade side.

It is likely there will be many out there hoping like blazes that the Bullsharks have a crap start to 2026, sink to the bottom of the ladder, and stay there.

There is always hope.

 

[Elwee's Loo]

As a result of direct conversations with Bond players and coaching staff, I can say that there is a solid acceptance that the general QLD-based rugby public - and especially those on this particular forum - tend not to rate the club, its coaches or its wider playing stock as anything significant going into 2026 and beyond. 'We won 9 in a row to get the goods, and it hardly made a blip on the radar. We are an anomaly to them', said one player. One coach said 'We could win 5 premierships in a row and we wouldn't rate a mention in the upper levels of the sport'.

...and they prefer it that way.

With Bond players (men and women) going on to make names for themselves in other countries or with other codes - or both; and with Bond coaches being enticed to work for Super Rugby franchises other than the Reds - or being offered national coaching opportunities offshore; it is nice to know someone somewhere is taking notice. Whilst there may be talks, meetings and all manner of discussions taking place at present, the current tone is 'We are here to get more trophies and develop more phenomenal players, and we have only really just started.'

If it means they end up developing and grooming players for other codes or other countries because Rugby Australia prefers to look elsewhere, then so be it. Either way, they will have done their job, and done it well.

This becomes an even more interesting topic of conversation when one takes into account the number of players - good and great players - who are seeking to wear Bullsharks jerseys in 2026. Five well-known QPR-related names have been spoken in low tones at the club regarding a 2026 line-up, with the ex-Nerang Bull and ex-Maleny Bushranger leading that pack. Add to that the three names touted as returning to Bond in 2026 and the young players who made names for themselves in 2025.... there will be huge competition to make the 1st Grade side.

It is likely there will be many out there hoping like blazes that the Bullsharks have a crap start to 2026, sink to the bottom of the ladder, and stay there.

There is always hope.

I think there can be a benefit to the 'Siege Mentality' in a short term, but eventually its corrosive.

Players will leave for other QPR clubs if they perceive their pathway to Premier Grade is blocked due to an influx of new recruits and colts coming up, one club can't be everything to everyone.

I hear Kingsley Uys is on his way to the Canal in 2026. Good signing.

 

[hdnmstsnr]

I think there can be a benefit to the 'Siege Mentality' in a short term, but eventually its corrosive.

Players will leave for other QPR clubs if they perceive their pathway to Premier Grade is blocked due to an influx of new recruits and colts coming up, one club can't be everything to everyone.

I hear Kingsley Uys is on his way to the Canal in 2026. Good signing.

Great point. Good food for thought....and I took the 'KU' signing to be Karl Urban.... but your suggestion makes much better sense...only just!

 

[PhilClinton]

I am not sure how it could be perceived that anyone is underrating the Bullsharks in 2026.

They've got who is widely accepted as the best club rugby coach in the country and the names being floated as joining the club are some genuine QPR superstars and captains of their current clubs.

I'd be very surprised if Bond didn't make the top 4 again in 2026, in fact they'd surely be favourites to win again.

 

[Elwee's Loo]

Great point. Good food for thought....and I took the 'KU' signing to be Karl Urban.... but your suggestion makes much better sense...only just!

What about Keith Urban?

 

[NORM]

As a result of direct conversations with Bond players and coaching staff, I can say that there is a solid acceptance that the general QLD-based rugby public - and especially those on this particular forum - tend not to rate the club, its coaches or its wider playing stock as anything significant going into 2026 and beyond. 'We won 9 in a row to get the goods, and it hardly made a blip on the radar. We are an anomaly to them', said one player. One coach said 'We could win 5 premierships in a row and we wouldn't rate a mention in the upper levels of the sport'.

...and they prefer it that way.

With Bond players (men and women) going on to make names for themselves in other countries or with other codes - or both; and with Bond coaches being enticed to work for Super Rugby franchises other than the Reds - or being offered national coaching opportunities offshore; it is nice to know someone somewhere is taking notice. Whilst there may be talks, meetings and all manner of discussions taking place at present, the current tone is 'We are here to get more trophies and develop more phenomenal players, and we have only really just started.'

If it means they end up developing and grooming players for other codes or other countries because Rugby Australia prefers to look elsewhere, then so be it. Either way, they will have done their job, and done it well.

This becomes an even more interesting topic of conversation when one takes into account the number of players - good and great players - who are seeking to wear Bullsharks jerseys in 2026. Five well-known QPR-related names have been spoken in low tones at the club regarding a 2026 line-up, with the ex-Nerang Bull and ex-Maleny Bushranger leading that pack. Add to that the three names touted as returning to Bond in 2026 and the young players who made names for themselves in 2025.... there will be huge competition to make the 1st Grade side.

It is likely there will be many out there hoping like blazes that the Bullsharks have a crap start to 2026, sink to the bottom of the ladder, and stay there.

There is always hope.

Shades of Souths from the mid 1980s. - 13 GFs in 15 Years - something went wrong . now they promote "the Souths way" but don't define what it is. - challenge for Bond to do even better.

 

[Full Mark]

Shades of Souths from the mid 1980s. - 13 GFs in 15 Years - something went wrong . now they promote "the Souths way" but don't define what it is. - challenge for Bond to do even better.

GM & the Souths board worked out how to use ChatGPT - The Souths Way

 

[LevitatingSocks]

People attuned to rugby rate Bond Rugby Club and what they're doing for players on the Gold Coast. But at the end of the day they're joined at the hip with a tin can educational institution that will sell a degree to the highest bidder and that will always affect perception by the less informed.

 

[Ras]

As a result of direct conversations with Bond players and coaching staff, I can say that there is a solid acceptance that the general QLD-based rugby public - and especially those on this particular forum - tend not to rate the club, its coaches or its wider playing stock as anything significant going into 2026 and beyond. 'We won 9 in a row to get the goods, and it hardly made a blip on the radar. We are an anomaly to them', said one player. One coach said 'We could win 5 premierships in a row and we wouldn't rate a mention in the upper levels of the sport'.

...and they prefer it that way.


It is likely there will be many out there hoping like blazes that the Bullsharks have a crap start to 2026, sink to the bottom of the ladder, and stay there.

There is always hope.

Nobody’s doubting Bond — let’s not pretend there’s some grand conspiracy to ignore a club that’s clearly performing. The talent is there (and being recognized). The coaching pedigree is there. So why the constant need to play the “we’re the overlooked geniuses” card?

The idea that Bond could win five premierships and still not get a mention? Come on. If that happens, you won’t just get a mention — you’ll get a statue.

And this whole “we prefer it that way” narrative? That’s rich. It’s like saying “we love being underestimated” while quietly assembling a superteam and leaking transfer rumours like it’s a Marvel movie.

Bond are something serious for 2026, no doubt. But you’re not being ignored — you’re being watched very closely. Some just aren’t clapping as loudly as you’d like.

 

[hughjardon69]

As a result of direct conversations with Bond players and coaching staff, I can say that there is a solid acceptance that the general QLD-based rugby public - and especially those on this particular forum - tend not to rate the club, its coaches or its wider playing stock as anything significant going into 2026 and beyond. 'We won 9 in a row to get the goods, and it hardly made a blip on the radar. We are an anomaly to them', said one player. One coach said 'We could win 5 premierships in a row and we wouldn't rate a mention in the upper levels of the sport'.

...and they prefer it that way.

With Bond players (men and women) going on to make names for themselves in other countries or with other codes - or both; and with Bond coaches being enticed to work for Super Rugby franchises other than the Reds - or being offered national coaching opportunities offshore; it is nice to know someone somewhere is taking notice. Whilst there may be talks, meetings and all manner of discussions taking place at present, the current tone is 'We are here to get more trophies and develop more phenomenal players, and we have only really just started.'

If it means they end up developing and grooming players for other codes or other countries because Rugby Australia prefers to look elsewhere, then so be it. Either way, they will have done their job, and done it well.

This becomes an even more interesting topic of conversation when one takes into account the number of players - good and great players - who are seeking to wear Bullsharks jerseys in 2026. Five well-known QPR-related names have been spoken in low tones at the club regarding a 2026 line-up, with the ex-Nerang Bull and ex-Maleny Bushranger leading that pack. Add to that the three names touted as returning to Bond in 2026 and the young players who made names for themselves in 2025.... there will be huge competition to make the 1st Grade side.

It is likely there will be many out there hoping like blazes that the Bullsharks have a crap start to 2026, sink to the bottom of the ladder, and stay there.

There is always hope.

i appreciate a good wordsmith

 

[Spamnoodle]

Shades of Souths from the mid 1980s. - 13 GFs in 15 Years - something went wrong . now they promote "the Souths way" but don't define what it is. - challenge for Bond to do even better.

You've got a massive chip on your shoulder about the goings on at Chippsy Wood.
Did someone touch you up the wrong way there?

 

[NORM]

You've got a massive chip on your shoulder about the goings on at Chippsy Wood.
Did someone touch you up the wrong way there.

Impressive - managed to be creepy and clueless in the one statement