Bringing an Ancient Sport to a Modern Morning
In the northern suburbs of Brisbane, behind the quiet gates of a Sikh temple, a small but determined group is rewriting the story of an ancient sport. The Brisbane Bulldogs tug of war team trains under the watchful eye of coach Graham Egan, who believes that strength alone isn’t enough—tug of war is a test of technique, teamwork, and timing as old as the sport itself. The scene is calm and almost ceremonious, with the early sun casting long shadows on the grass while ropes wait like patient serpents at the ready.
Strength and Strategy: A Winning Combination
“One of the things I’ve been trying to teach our guys is: don’t go like a bull out of a gate,” Egan says, echoing a philosophy that champions control over brute force. Tug of war is a high-stakes dance of resistance and release. Competitors must anchor their stance, synchronize their breath, and exploit every inch of ground. In practice, the Bulldogs focus on building core stability, leg drive, and a friction-managed grip—techniques that turn raw power into a repeatable, reliable push. The result is a rhythm where every member trades spots of pressure, allowing the team to move as one unit rather than as a collection of individuals.
Community, Culture, and a Timeless Sport
For many players, tug of war is more than a game; it’s a bridge between generations. The team trains in a space that blends cultural reverence with competitive fire: a place where community ties are as strong as the ropes they grip. The Bulldogs’ routine is more than drills—it’s a commitment to keeping a sport that dates back centuries alive in a modern city. By drawing inspiration from past leagues and local clubs, the team channels a lineage of athletes who understood that victory is earned through discipline and mentorship as much as through any single pull.
Training That Translates to the Real Field
On Sundays and weekdays alike, the Bulldogs simulate the most demanding moments of competition: the initial set, the mid-race resistance, and the final surge that decides a match. The training emphasizes stance, foot placement, and rope angle, all tuned to maximise vertical stability and axial alignment. Coaches like Egan emphasize communication under pressure, a trait that helps even the most physically imposing teammates stay synchronized when the pull becomes a battle of wills down the line. The team’s approach blends modern strength conditioning with the strategic reading of opponents—watching for subtle shifts, exploiting a momentary misalignment, and delivering a calculated push that lands with precision.
Competition, Camaraderie, and the Road Ahead
As in any sport with a long history, the path forward is shaped as much by camaraderie as by clamps and hooks. The Bulldogs compete in local events, but they also serve as ambassadors for an ancient practice that transcends borders and languages. Each matchup is a chance to showcase technique refined through countless hours of practice while inviting new players to experience the sport’s unique blend of physical intensity and collective strategy. The team’s future hinges on expanding participation, securing equitable access to training facilities, and preserving the code of fair play that has always defined tug of war.
Conclusion: Keeping the Rope Tight and the Spirit Alive
In Brisbane’s northern suburbs, behind the temple’s quiet façade, the Brisbane Bulldogs tug of war team is more than a club—it’s a living reminder that ancient sports can thrive in contemporary communities. With a coach who prizes both strength and strategy, a group of athletes who value teamwork, and a culture that honours tradition, this squad demonstrates that an old game still has a powerful grip on the hearts of those who play it. As the ropes come taut and the whistle rings out, the sport endures, carried forward by a new generation ready to pull with purpose.
