TITLE DECIDER
HOGS AND COLLEGES SET FOR GF
HUNGER has become the grand final buzzword for Griffith University Colleges and Helensvale as their quests for Gold Coast District Rugby Union history go on the line at Bond University this afternoon.
While minor premiers Colleges will chase back-to-back top-grade titles for the first time in the 3.30pm decider at Bond University, the Hogs have the chance to put an end to the club’s 32-year premiership wait.
Third at the end of the regular season, Helensvale have been brave but ultimately unsuccessful in their efforts to topple the Knights this season, falling 24-21 in May, 36-20 in June and 26-13 last month.
However, captain Hayden McCaa, who also skippered the Hogs in their last grand final appearance five years ago, said desperation for a maiden crown could carry them to new heights.
“(Winning today) would easily be the greatest rugby moment of my life because you have the love for the club and you dream to do it. It definitely would be special,” the 31-year-old fullback, who joined Helensvale in 2005, said.
“I was captain for that final (in 2014). It hurt. (But) It just helps because at least you have been in one before, you know what to expect and you know there’s going to be a big crowd. “It’s just about believing, really. We have been together since February so a lot of hard work has gone into it.
“Now it’s just about getting 23 guys to look after each other and believe we can do it. We have played (Colleges) three times already so you do have to take lessons.
“We have to match it with them physically.”
Having ended a 22-year title drought of their own last season, Colleges have continued their domination to taste defeat just once in 2019.
No.8 and captain Jaye Paton said despite lifting the Phil Temperton Cup last year, motivation would not be an issue against the Hogs.
“I don’t think the hunger side of it is a concern at all. Obviously we talked about that a lot at the start of the season,” McCaa, 26, said.
“We have got to be just as hungry. We have spoken about not getting complacent going into this grand final, especially with Helensvale trying to break this premiership drought.
“For us, it’s just preparing well and not so much preparing for what Helensvale is going to throw at us, but preparing for what we have been doing well all season.
“We’re definitely going in looking at this match as the hardest game of the season by far.”
(WINNING TODAY) WOULD EASILY BE THE GREATEST RUGBY MOMENT OF MY LIFE
HELENSVALE’S HAYDEN McCAA