Cyclones on high alert in grand final
THE Townsville Cyclones are bracing for their toughest challenge of the year as they take on the Cairns Falcons in today’s grand final of the North Queensland Gridiron Series.
Townsville boasts an unbeaten record against Cairns, but have been pushed all the way by the Far Northern rivals, with an early 14- 13 victory standing out in the minds of Cyclones’ players.
That result, along with a shock loss to competition newcomers Mackay, gave the Cyclones a new edge ahead of today’s showdown, with Cyclones player Boeden Brunne saying Townsville would be ready for a battle at Muldoon Oval. “The guys are really pumped for this one, and it’s exciting to get this far given it was one of the toughest seasons we’ve ever had,” he said
“They’re really hasn’t been that much between us and Cairns, and Mackay really stuck to us, which was great to see in their first year.
“Because it’s been so tough, the boys really feel as though they’ve earned the right to be here.”
Brunne said he was again expecting Cairns to throw up some surprises on grand final day.
“I’ve got no doubt in my mind they’ll throw some things at us that we really haven’t seen before,” he said. “But we’ve trained well and we’re feeling confident, and we’re really strong.
“We have everybody available, which is real luxury at this time of year, and a big reason behind that is the excellent support staff we have.
“We’ll be able to put up a good fight.” Brunne said the latest NQ Series was a massive boost to the region’s gridiron, but has no qualms with Townsville and Cairns going to war this afternoon.
“After the game we’ll still be good mates.” Today’s grand final kicks off at 4pm at Muldoon Oval.