Wynnum Manly have to find mental edge to overcome undefeated West Brisbane
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Sunday’s CAOS BRL Premier A Grade grand final will be a mental battle for Wynnum Manly Juniors.
After a slow start to the 2022 season, the Seagulls made an impressive push to qualify for this year’s premiership decider. But they will come up against the titans of the competition in West Brisbane Panthers.
West Brisbane have gone through the regular season and the finals undefeated, setting a high standard on their way to the minor premiership.
They will look to close out the year without a single loss on Sunday and it is just Wynnum Manly standing in their way.
Hooker and co-captain Savaan Tahere said while it was going to be a physical battle, there was no doubt his side needed the right mindset if they were a chance of overcoming the Panthers.
“The mental game is always half the battle,” Tahere said.
“On the field we know it’ll be a tough, grinding game. They’re a big side and they always show up and play the full 80 minutes.
“But as long as we get our mindset right and prepare mentally for a tough game, we’re in for a chance.
“They’re always tough Wests so it’s about turning up with the right attitude.”
Wynnum Manly Juniors started the 2022 BRL season with three consecutive losses and only managed two wins in the opening seven rounds.
But they hit form at the right time of the season, winning seven of their last eight to steamroll their way into the finals.
Tahere, who is in his first season as a co-captain, said he felt his form reflected this as well but he improved with the team and also came into his own as a leader.
With his eyes set on a possible promotion to the Hostplus Cup level next year, Tahere said it would be a huge milestone for him to guide this group to a premiership victory on Sunday.
“It would be massive to get the win under my belt as a captain,” Tahere said.
“It’s my first year captaining the side ever alongside Robbo (James Robinson).
“Everyone that knows me knows I am not the loudest guy ever but I’ve been finding my way and been getting better at the communication side of it.
“(Coach Jason Harris), he has a lot of trust in me and it gave me a bit of confidence going into the season as well.
“My message for Sunday to the team is just to have fun, enjoy the game. It’s our last game together. We’ll never play with the same squad ever again and our last game gets to be in the grand final.”
The CAOS BRL Premier A Grade grand final between West Brisbane Panthers and Wynnum Manly Juniors will kick off at 3pm at BMD Kougari Oval.
