Top teams tackle for trophy
A bruising battle is expected at Barlow Park today when two Far North rugby heavyweights lock horns for the ultimate prize. Just a fortnight after their last clash, Barron Trinity Bulls and JCU Mariners will face off in the FNQ Rugby grand final. While the Bulls stormed to a minor premiership, JCU upset the title favourites in last month’s major semi-final. Bulls skipper Cameron Thomson insisted his side was not concerned about past results. —
A BRUISING battle is expected at Barlow Park today when two Far North rugby heavyweights lock horns for the ultimate prize.
Just a fortnight after their last clash, Barron Trinity Bulls and JCU Mariners will square off in the FNQ Rugby grand final.
While the Bulls stormed to a minor premiership, JCU have momentum after upsetting the title favourites in
last month’s major semifinal. Bulls skipper Cameron Thomson insisted his side was not concerned about past results.
“We’re not thinking about it – we’re focusing on finishing the job we set out to do at the start of the year,” the experienced forward said.
“It’s a grand final and nothing else matters now.”
The Bulls flexed their muscles with a comfortable win over Southside in last weekend’s preliminary final.
Gun centre Kele Degei scored two tries while the Bulls’ forward pack dominated from the outset. But Thomson, who tasted premiership glory with Barron in 2012, said today’s clash posed a whole new challenge.
“The main thing is that we have to improve our discipline,” he said.
“Last time we played JCU, we basically penalised ourselves out of the game.”
Thomson said his side needed to minimise the impact of retiring Mariners Tahl Young and Mitch Francis, who are out to end their careers with a premiership win.
Young, who started with JCU in 2005, said his players were in the right mindset for a grand final.
“Training has been really good this week, having last week off helped,” he said.
“We’ve been trying to make sure our younger guys stay calm ahead of their first grand final.”
The Mariners are the only team to beat Barron in 2016.
Despite his side’s good form, Young was staying wary of the Bulls.
“We have to start well, if we let them get a lead it could spell trouble,” he said. “I think it will be a fast-paced game, the major semi-final was one of the quickest games of rugby I’ve ever played.”
Young, 31, said it would be tough to walk away from the game.
“I’ve been wearing JCU colours for the past 11 years, so it is definitely a bit sad,” he said.
“But at least I won’t be waking up so sore on Sunday mornings.”
Barron Bulls take on JCU at Barlow Park today from 4pm. The first division decider between Barron and Wanderers kick off at 2pm.