A poll of first grade captains has given a landslide vote on a Bond University upset of Brothers in the StoreLocal Hospital Cup grand final on Sunday.
The margin was surprisingly lopsided at 6-1 when the seven top grade captains not in the decider were asked how the 80 minutes would unfold at Ballymore Stadium.
None of the skippers questioned Brothers’ grand final pedigree after titles in 2023-2024 and the 2025 minor premiership but they dropped a definite hint - it’s time for a change at the top.
The late inclusion of Wallabies squad duo Josh Flook (Brothers) and Aidan Ross (Bond University) has added extra spice and quality to the contest.
Each captain was also asked his tip for the grand final’s most influential player as Tony Shaw Medallist.
Wests captain Leopino Maupese was certainly influenced by the tough 34-0 loss his side absorbed against Bond in the knockout semi-final.
“Bond are on a bit of a roll. They have been underdogs all season and, credit, they upset us and Easts in the finals,” Maupese said.
“Guys like (No.8) Zane Misios have been good for them. They shift the ball fast and wide to the edges. They are definitely playing good rugby.
“That said, Brothers are tough to beat and play to the 80th minute. Will Wilson is a big part of steering the ship as is Harry Grant from flyhalf.”
TIP: Bond University by 5
Tony Shaw Medal: Tyler Campbell (Bond University)
Sunnybank skipper Junior Laloifi said the inclusion of Queensland Reds lock Josh Canham is a huge plus for Bond University’s chances.
“Bond are on a run and I’ll tip them because of Tyler Campbell,” Laloifi said.
“He’s inspirational for that team and he leads them the right way. Bond are dangerous from everywhere on the park. It’s pretty hectic how they are playing at the right end of the season.
“Brothers are like the Crusaders. As a club, they are always in the finals and they do know what it takes.”
TIP: Bond University by 3
Tony Shaw Medal: Tyler Campbell (Bond University)
Easts skipper Will Sankey is still smarting from the 47-14 loss his Tigers absorbed from Bond University in the preliminary final.
“Bond go in pretty hot with all the momentum but I’m favouring Brothers in a tough one,” Sankey said.
“They know how to win and they just have that experience on grand final day that Bond don’t have. They’ve built a continuity over the past three seasons.
“In the pack, Will Wilson and Brad Hemopo definitely lead the way and (flanker) Noah Nielsen is really consistent.”
TIP: Brothers by 3
Tony Shaw Medal: Brad Hemopo (Brothers)
Souths captain Kohan Herbert said the way Bond University had ripped through the finals series so far was persuasive.
“I’ve got nothing against Brothers but it would be good to see another club win,” Herbert said.
“Just the speed and how freely Bond are playing is very impressive compared to how they started the season.
“They got the jump on Easts (14-0 after five minutes) in the prelim final and left them shellshocked.
“If Bond can stick to their speed of game, they’ll be right in it. Obviously, Tyler Campbell has brought his squad together and done an incredible job.
“Brad Hemopo and Will Wilson are strong leaders for Brothers and I rate how (flyhalf) Harry Grant has been playing really well and controlling the play for them.”
TIP: Bond University by 4
Tony Shaw Medal: Tyler Campbell (Bond University)
University of Queensland captain Willy Rua is tipping Bond University after coming up short 42-19 when the club’s met early in Bond’s winning run.
“It’d be good to see Bond knock Brothers off their pedestal,” Rua said.
“The Bond backs are very elusive and are led particularly well by Tyler Campbell.
“Matt Engelbrecht has had a phenomenal season for Bond at openside flanker. He’s one of the best No.7s I’ve played against. He’s a force to be reckoned with.
“Brothers have plenty going for them. Brad Hemopo is a big unit and ball-carrier.”
TIP: Bond University by 6
Tony Shaw Medal: Matt Engelbrecht (Bond University)
GPS captain Matt Gicquel was to the point.
“Go Bull Sharks. They have built well with a run of wins. They are still the underdogs against a good Brothers side but I’m going for the club going for its first premiership,” Gicquel said.
TIP: Bond University by 6
Tony Shaw Medal: Tyler Campbell (Bond University)
Connor O’Regan, who shared the captaincy at Norths this year with Harry Langbridge, said it was hard to go past Brothers but he did.
“Bond have the form and confidence of recent weeks. You can see watching them play that everyone is backing each other.
“One player makes a break and everyone is there after the ball. You can seen the effort.
“(Flyhalf) Luke Depiazzi is the perfect fit for the way Bond play. He takes on the line and he’s good in support as well.”
TIP: Bond University by 4
Tony Shaw Medal: Luke Depiazzi (Bond University)
