Close race to grand final glory

IT'S grand final time and the usual pre-game tactics have begun.

The Chargers face minor premiers Rockhampton Brothers in the Under-20s Rockhampton Rugby League grand final at Rockhampton's Browne Park and neither coach is willing to give away where they are looking to expose their opposition.

Despite having the wood over the Chargers leading into the grand final, winning their previous two matches against each other, there has not been much between the two sides this season and Brothers coach Shane Robinson believes both sides are evenly matched.

“We're the same as Norths,” said Robinson.

“I think we're both pretty strong all over the paddock.”

Chargers' coach Lionel Harbin agrees but knows that on grand final day form counts for nothing.

“It's a grand final and the team that wants it the most will win in it,” said Harbin.

Brothers half Zac Moss is confident his side can take away the spoils just as long as they can handle the fiery opening exchanges the Chargers are accustomed to.

After both sides settle into the match, Moss believes the real battle will be played out in the middle of the paddock with both sides possessing talented forward packs.

It seems such are the similarities between the two sides that CQU Norths coach Lionel Harbin has focused his energy on tightening his middle up to ensure Brothers dummy half Ian Bowie doesn't expose the Chargers' defensive line.

“They've got a very mobile forward pack that is strong in defence,” said Harbin.

“Brothers outmuscled us in the forwards last time so we've worked on that.”

The Brethren proved too strong for the Chargers in their last encounter, winning the first semi-final 34-28, and will be looking to repeat that performance.

Since then, the Chargers have worked on their attack around the ruck and will be looking to exploit the big Brothers forward pack with a lot of dummy half running.

Former lock Chris Saunders is now filling the dummy half role for CQU Norths and will be one of the real threats.

“They were good against us up the middle when Chris Saunders got out of dummy half last time,” said Moss.

Brothers' coach Shane Robinson is concerned not only with the attacking potency the Chargers possess in the centre of the field, but with the entire side.

“They've got some good players,” said Robinson.

“The whole 19 of them are dangerous.”

Both sides are waiting on the fitness of a couple of key players with CQU Norths winger Gav Duncan likely to return from a groin strain after missing last weekend's preliminary final.

For Brothers, utility Wally Saunders is in doubt after injuring his ankle during the week while there is a question mark over Lyle Williams' availability as he was unable to train on Tuesday night after falling ill.

Returning from A-grade last week, Brothers will be looking to lock Mitch Collins to get them going.

A former Rockhampton Grammar School student, Collins has been impressive at lock for the Brethren and his teammates will be hoping he can continue his good form this weekend.

Both sides wrapped up their final preparations last night.