GRAND FINAL GLORY

Who wins today’s premier grade decider and why? JCU and Barron have forged a strong rivalry in 2016.

AIt depends on who wants it. Both teams have got their stars, and last week Barron relied on Kele Degei to score two tries. He does plenty on his own. There is no clear favourite.

Q AAnd what about first division? Barron and Wanderers should be a good match-up.

If Wanderers gel together they can play really good footy. But Barron has had a week off and can play with a really good structure. It should be another exciting and open game of rugby.

FNQ Rugby boasts plenty of top talent. Who is the best player in the competition?

I don’t like using the term “best”. I guess you can always rely on (Kele) Degei to do the unusual and spectacular. Barron Trinity Bulls fullback Connor Kennedy and JCU’s Mitch Francis are also very good. Most teams are lucky enough to have players who can turn a game on its head.

There was a chasm between the top and bottom sides in this year’s premier grade. Is this good or bad for FNQ Rugby?

AThe bottom teams like Wanderers, Brothers, Penrhyn and Port Douglas have to develop. Penrhyn have got the talent, it’s just about putting it all together. Port Douglas have kids coming through, which is good. But they also rely a lot on people coming to Port Douglas to work. The cane crushing season can present a few problems. They are a oneteam town, and should be better than what they are, but it goes up and down in transient towns.