A thrilling season of Harrigan Cup action concludes on Saturday with the Grand Final between Wests and Collegians.
Collies first-year coach Jimmy Grehan views reaching the grand final as a huge achievement for his young team, but says he has unfinished business after a surprising 32-0 loss to the Devils in the Major Semi.
“We’re a young team, and it’s my first year here, so to be in this position is really exciting,” Grehan said.
“Some of the boys were nervous in the major semi-final and it got the better of them, but we’ve learned from that. We’re looking forward to having another crack at Wests on the big stage.”
Rather than dwell on the negatives, Grehan sees that loss to the Devils two weeks ago as a lesson rather than a setback. He believes the blend of youthful energy and key veteran leadership gives his side a chance to upset the reigning champions.
“We’ve got that mix of young guys and experienced campaigners, like the Grant brothers, who’ve been game-changing for us,” he said.
“Sometimes the energy and enthusiasm of youth can make up for a lack of experience, and we’ll be leaning on that.”
Collies firepower has been on display all year, with James Lee finishing as top try scorer and Blair Grant leading the point scorers’ tally.
Their attacking threat will be vital if they are to break down the Devils’ disciplined defensive line.
Match Centre
Something Old, Something New
At 32, veteran second-rower Charly Runciman forms part of Collies older brigade, along with Skipper Blake Phillips, who have welcomed a fresh wave of talent.
“Duke, Dexter, and Blair have been a breath of fresh air,” Runciman said.
“But it’s really been a team effort to get this far.”
A former St. George Illawarra Dragons representative, who also had a stint with Widnes in the UK Super League, Runciman brings a wealth of experience to the squad but explains he’ll keep things simple this week.
“I’m just concentrating on this weekend and hoping we can put on a good performance and come away with victory,” he said.
Runciman praised Grehan’s coaching style, which he says has had a positive influence at the club.
“He’s been great for both the older and younger players, making sure everyone’s bought in,” Runciman said.
Runciman acknowledges the challenge after their surprising big loss to Wests in the Major Semi, but remains confident.
“When we play our footy to the best of our ability, it’s hard for anyone to keep up with us,” he said.
“We’re just concentrating on our game, doing everything right, and hoping it’s enough come game day.”
On the move | Collies Dextar Grant looks to offload
McLeod’s Devils Chase History
On the opposing side stands Peter McLeod, a coach with no shortage of big-game experience. At the helm since 2019, McLeod has guided the Devils to two premierships.
After serving a long apprenticeship under now Parramatta Eels Head Coach Jason Ryles and Brett Kimmorley before him, he captured his first title in his inaugural year as Head Coach and won again in 2022.
He has also experienced defeat on the big stage, losing 12-10 to Collies in the 2023 final. However, he knows what is required to perform when the stakes are highest.
“Collegians have been the most consistent team all year, so we’ll need to be at our very best,” McLeod said.
“We had a good semi-final performance, but we know they’ll be better this weekend, and we’ll have to be better too.”
The Devils’ season has been one of peaks and valleys. After a strong start, they endured a mid-season slump before rediscovering form at the right time.
McLeod credits the resurgence to the injection of youth, with players like CJ Meafou and Clay Baldock stepping into first grade and making immediate impacts.
“CJ has been a fantastic injection of youth,” McLeod said.
“He’s brought energy and spark to our left edge, and Clay has found his home at fullback. To see two local juniors step up in a grand final is exciting for us as a club.”
Eyes up | Wests fullback Clay Baldock on the attack
The Veteran’s Perspective
Few players know more about what it takes to succeed on grand final day than Justin Rodrigues, the veteran five-eighth entering his sixth decider in nine years with Wests.
For the clever pivot, preparation is everything, and superstition plays its part too.
“A lot of us are very superstitious, so we’ve kept things the same as last year,” Rodrigues said.
“We know Collegians have been the most consistent team, but we’ll need to be 100 per cent in attack and defence to beat them again.”
The Shellharbour Stingray’s junior, who has already won two premierships with Wests, insists he has no plans to hang up the boots just yet.
“At this stage, I’ll still be running around next year,” he said.
“I’ve been with the club for nine years now, and the mix we’ve got between experienced players and young guys like CJ and Clay has been huge for us.”
For Rodrigues, the key to the Devils’ success lies in composure.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s your first grand final or your sixth, the nerves are always there,” he said.
“But the experienced guys have been there before, and the young ones have handled themselves well. They’re confident at training, so I think they’re hiding their nerves nicely.”
What’s at Stake
For the Devils, victory would secure back-to-back premierships and cement their status as one of the region’s premier outfits again.
For Collegians, it’s a chance to convert consistency into silverware and to lift their first title since 2022.
Come Saturday, both coaches know the margins will be razor-thin.
“Grand finals are won in moments,” McLeod said.
“It might come down to a bounce of the ball or a tackle at the right time.”
Grehan, meanwhile, is confident his young squad will rise to the occasion.
“Sometimes that youthful naivety helps,” he said.
“The boys haven’t been scarred by too many losses in big games. They just want to get out there and play.”
Words | Angelina Raula
Images | Denis Ivaneza