Sleepless nights in Tigerland
TULLY coach Aaron Tongalea hasn’t slept much this week but it’s not because he’s worried about tonight’s game.
Rather, he’s excited about the prospect.
“It’s been an amazing journey. It has caught me by surprise how much it means to Tully,” Tongalea said.
“I’ve been trying to play it down but it’s hard not to get caught up in the hype.
“I don’t think there’s going to be anyone left in Tully (tonight).”
The Tigers have made one change to the preliminary final side that beat Brothers last Sunday.
The suspended Dylan Jones makes way for Mitchell Robertson. Jones was offered five weeks for a careless tackle, but had it downgraded to three matches.
Tongalea said he wouldn’t have been able to play anyway.
“He hurt his bicep/shoulder in that game and is struggling with it,” the coach said.
“Mitch missed out last game due to family commitments so he’ll be rapt to be playing in a grand final.”
Tongalea said he believed the Tigers were underdogs.
“Mossman have the best attack in the competition,” he said. “Their finals wins were outstanding. We are going to have to play good football to match them.”
For Tully to win, the likes of five-eighth Darryl Grant and outside backs Phil Nona, Trevor Mathieson and Matthew Musumeci will have to fire.
Experienced heads Colin Wilkie and Aaron Daniel must also produce their best.