Third instalment in epic decider rivalry
THE finale of a gripping trilogy has arrived.
For the third straight season, Surfers Paradise will meet Griffith University Colleges in the Gold Coast District Rugby Union grand final and it is closer than ever now.
The Dolphins won 42-12 in 2016 and 34-21 last year to seal unbeaten seasons.
This year, they have been knocked from their perch, finishing the regular season in second place and having to go the long way to qualify for the decider today.
With Colleges shooting for their first top grade premiership since 1996, captain Troy Hobbs says his players are motivated by not wanting to experience the hurt of another grand final loss.
“Everyone has got it in the back of their head, the previous two years,” said the 27year-old.
“Everyone knows what it feels like to go down in a grand final and the boys don’t want to feel that any more. It’s time – and we’re ready.”
Unlike last year, Colleges will take a full-strength lineup into the contest.
“A lot of the clubs are behind us to knock Surfers off. We’ll have a lot of support there I think,” Hobbs said.
Surfers will have plenty to play for too, with the chance to send retiring flyhalf and coach Kris Burton out with a premiership three-peat.
Dolphins players were caught off-guard by Burton’s recent retirement announcement in the Bulletin and want to make sure his last game is a fitting farewell.
“He’s still a level above,” Surfers captain Andy Finn said of the ex-Italy representative.
“He will put people through the holes that no one else could. He’ll put his kicks in and land it on a cone. His skill is ridiculous.
“We want to do it for him because he puts in for us Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and I’m sure there is a lot more planning that goes in as well. He’s done a great job for us.”
Knights coach Graham Herlihy reserved some kind words for his rival mentor, whose kicking game has been a backbone of their success.
“You don’t play Six Nations football unless you can play the game. He’s very astute and he gets a lot of respect from us,” Herlihy said.
Surfers gave up an 18-0 lead to lose to Colleges a fortnight ago but Finn believes the extra week on the paddock has done them good, given the timing of their Round 21 bye.
“We would have only had two games in four or five weeks … it was good to play an extra game,” he said.