Gamebreakers who hold the key in grand final
WHILE both coaches are adamant it will take a comprehensive team performance to take out the Aaron Payne Cup, the sheer amount of individual game breakers in both sides is undeniable.
We look at the players who could hold the key to Aaron Payne Cup glory.
RAGSY WAVIK Kirwan High, five-eighth
The Kirwan High five-eighth lives for the big games.
Wavik has been focused and determined, and he has one clear intention heading into the Aaron Payne Cup grand final.
TANE KIRIONE St Brendan’s, prop
The front-rower is a genuine game breaker. He is a big, aggressive and mobile front rower who has the ability to punch out big minutes.
But he also has a lightning turn of foot, and was the second fastest student over the 100m in his year.
TAJSHON SANTO-MESSA Kirwan High, dummy-half
Is a front runner for the Bears most improved player this season after making the switch into dummy-half.
A hard-running back-rower, Santo-messa has had to learn on the fly behind the ruck. He will punch out big minutes and his bone-rattling tackles will be crucial to shifting the momentum.
OWEN PATTIE
St Brendan’s, halfback
A back-up dummy-half through last year’s Payne Cup campaign, Minto is adamant he always believed the playmaker was destined for more.
He handed him the captaincy and the number seven jersey this season in a massive show of faith, and Pattie has repaid it ten-fold.
He can pick apart the opposition defence, but also has a tenacious attitude to his defence. His effort is second to none in the St Brendan’s side.