Bulls seek rugby redemption
THE two best teams during the FNQ Rugby season will clash in a blockbuster grand final between Southside Crusaders and Barron Trinity Bulls this weekend at Stan Williams Park.
The Bulls finished on top of the ladder but have lost twice to Crusaders this season, including a 27-20 boilover in the first final less than two weeks ago.
The win put Crusaders straight through to the final game of the season and forced the Bulls into a second chance preliminary final against Brothers.
After a shaky start against the brethren, Barron recovered to run away 31-20 victors to book a rematch against their season-long rivals.
Bulls skipper Cameron Thomson said his side were eager for revenge.
“Southside have had our measure the last two games we’ve played them,” Thompson said. “But it’s better to have a challenge going into a grand final. We know what we have to do.”
THE tears welled up in Southside Crusaders coach Otto Suavai’s eyes but he fought them back.
Almost a year of gruelling “pain sessions” had culminated in an epic 27-20 Crusaders win over Barron Trinity Bulls to advance to the grand final at Stan Williams Park.
Suavai, a giant of a man with hands like mitts, stood outside the visitors’ change rooms, took a deep breath and composed himself before addressing his team.
“I promised the boys I’d take them to the grand final,” he said yesterday. “When it happened I really held back the tears, mate.”
“Just all the hard work that I’ve put these boys through all year. I’ve done beach sessions, gym sessions with them – just everything.
“It’s been a hard couple of years for the club but we have a new committee, new coaching staff and players. It’s really a new beginning.”
This weekend, the Crusaders will take on Bulls again in the grand final. The competition benchmark all season long, Barron made the most of their second-chance final, beating Brothers 31-20 in a gritty and at times spiteful affair last Saturday.
Captain Cameron Thomson said the defending champions had newfound motivation after their loss to the Crusaders.
“Southside have had our measure the last two games we’ve played them,” Thompson said. “But it’s better to have a challenge going into a grand final.
“We know what we have to do.
“Last time we gave away the ball too much and they capitalised.
“We need to play a different style. We’ve worked on it and had a good run.”
Thompson said rumours star outside centre Kele Degei would return for the Bulls this weekend despite having taken a mining job in South Australia last week were untrue.
“He’s definitely 100 per cent not playing,” he said.
“We’re pretty lucky. Kris (Verevis) is a very good player who stepped up for us. He’s not a Kele-type player but did a really good job in our last final.”
The Crusaders spent much of last Saturday enduring a gruelling two-and-a-half-hour training session, courtesy of their mentor, before taking in the preliminary final from the sidelines.
“I’m not going to put the brakes on now,” Suavai said.
“I wanted to put the boys through some pain.
“This is their week now and we’ll prepare well.”
Crusaders veteran Kasey Mitchell and captain Michael Tupuhi are credited with helping create a family environment at the club.
“I wanted to get the boys’ families and kids involved,” Suavai said. “The children can watch their dad run out on the field. You become a role model for your kid.”
And if Southside lift the trophy on Saturday, Suavai won’t hold back the tears.
“The tears will flow like waterfalls,” he said, laughing.
“I’m a big man but I won’t be afraid to cry.”
Kick-off is at 4pm on Saturday at Stan Williams Park.