After a week off, the Innisfail Brothers Under 13 team are fine tuning at training as they head into the Cairns District Junior Rugby League grand final this Saturday at Jones Park in Cairns against Redlynch.
This week at training, the young Innisfail Brothers players were joined at Callendar Park by Innisfail Leprechauns A Grade team for a full training and team run, followed by a sausage sizzle and soft drinks.
In a previous training session, Innisfail A Grade players also came and had a chat with the team and instilled their game knowledge and experience to their junior counterparts.
They also gave some final pointers and advice before Saturday's big game.
A grade coach Leon Hallie said travelling to games can have a physical toll.
"It's important to put in a good warm up to combat tiredness and fatigue so you can be alert, well prepared and go into the game firing," Hallie said.
Senior players also stressed the importance of enjoying the grand final with team mates.
"You've worked hard all season so just play the game you’ve played all year," one player remarked.
"Treat the game like any other, don't change things, even when under pressure, and most importantly listen to your coaches."
Leprechauns A Grade captain Robert Haren wished the team every success in the grand final.
Haren said it was important to turn up with the right attitude for their final training session.
"The way we train is how we play in the actual game, so things need to be practised in order to be switched on for the grand final," Haren said.
Under 13 coach William Cunningham said it had been a team effort to be undefeated all year.
"I've loved being their coach and it’s been great experiencing it all with them," Cunningham said.
It’s been enjoyable watching the boys thrive in their footy and step up to another level in skills and personal development."
Innisfail Brothers Under 13 coaches and team were grateful to Hallie, Nick Souvlis and Innisfail Leprechauns A Grade team for taking the time to speak to the boys at training and for their support throughout the season.
Tony Buzolich from NQ Equipment Hire was also present at a training session where the coaches and team personally thanked him for his sponsorship.
Last week in the Under 13 division, Redlynch defeated Edmonton 20-12 and earned their place in the final, while Innisfail Brothers, who finished as minor premiers, had a week off.
A fortnight ago, Innisfail had a dominant 40-8 win over Edmonton in the semis which put them straight into the grand final.
Grand final day - Saturday, September 7 - Jones Park
Under 13 - 9am - Innisfail Brothers v Redlynch
Under 14 - 10.30am - Kangaroos v Ivanhoes
Under 15 - 12noon- Kangaroos v Scorpions
Under 16 - 1.40pm - Ivanhoes v Edmonton
Main image: Innisfail Leprechauns A Grade players instilled their wisdom to the Brothers Under 13 players who play Redlynch in the grand final in Cairns on Saturday.
