The last word: BMD Premiership grand final

Wynnum Manly captain, Shaylee Bent

What does it mean to you to play in this year's BMD Premiership grand final?

It's an honour really. Last year we fell short in the semi-finals, losing to the Capras. That was a hard loss for us, so to make the grand final this year, it proves anyone can make it. We did it from fourth place, but anyone can win on the day. It's going to be a very hard match but we won't go down without a fight.

What can you expect from the Burleigh Bears?

We've versed them before this year and it was a tough match. We fell short by giving away too many penalties and we just didn't hold the ball. We have to be very disciplined and cut out those errors. 

Who is their danger player?

You have the experienced players like Tazzie (Gray), (Chelsea) Lenarduzzi and Zahara (Temara) but one I think is pretty dangerous is their hooker, Chante Temara. She's very quick and agile in that middle. When you think you have a break to breathe, she's coming at you. She's one we'll definitely have to watch.

Who do you think will have a big game from your side?

We all have to put in. If our middles aren't working, our outside backs can't get their opportunities. Our middles have to have a big game. We are versing a bigger side so we have to dominate in the middle to have fun on the edges.

How do you sum up the current Wynnum Manly squad?

We've come up with a word as a team - hunt. That's a call we use when we're in need of a lift. That came off Toni Hunt. She beat her battle with cancer and us girls, the way we work together, the way we fight for each other, Toni was a prime example of that and that's why we named it hunt. I know we're a young side and sometimes people can doubt us, but we do have that willingness to work and that's how I describe us. We're a very hard-working team.

You've achieved a lot in your career. What would it mean to you to win this premiership?

This is my third season in Queensland and the competition up here. I've won a grand final in the New South Wales competition, so to win a grand final in the Queensland comp would top it off. And getting the win for Wynnum Manly to give back to them back for everything they've given us.

Burleigh Bears second rower, Tazmin Gray

What does it mean to you to play in this year's BMD Premiership grand final?

This one is a different one from all the other years. I feel more honoured and excited to be back here with the Burleigh Bears. With the changes in coaching staff and to the team, it makes it really exciting to be back playing grand final footy. A lot of people doubted us so it's more of an honour to step on the field with this group girls and represent our families and each other.

What can you expect from the Wynnum Manly Seagulls?

They're a striking team. In the round games, we definitely felt that. They have strike on both sides of the field and young talent that bring a lot of energy. But this week we've mainly just focused on ourselves and what we need to do and what our job playing for Burleigh is. We need to excel in areas we haven't been excelling in and that we've lacked through our round games. Most importantly, we know what to expect from them and where their strike power is.

Who is their danger player?

They have a lot. They have Julia Robinson who is lethal no matter where she goes or what position she plays. You have Shaylee Bent, Shaniah Power and Bri Clark. They're no different to what we have but if we let those players run rampant in the game, it'll make our job really hard. We know the areas we need to focus on.

Who do you think will have a big game from your side?

We need a big game from all our experienced players but most importantly from Zahara (Temara) and myself. If we aren't leading from the front, it's a lot easier for our younger girls to fall into the same position. If our captain (Temara) leads from the front, it gives me more of a reason to put my best foot forward and up the ante. If she leads from the front, it makes it easier to follow.

How do you sum up the current Burleigh Bears squad?

We're a family unit. We've created a culture at the Burleigh Bears that's a lot about family. Zee said it this week that if you love the player you're beside, you'll do a lot more for them, and that speaks volumes of our club and the culture there. It's the reason we've pushed for the grand final spot and been in finals footy for so long. If you have a great culture, it only leads to success. 

You've achieved a lot in your career. What would it mean to you to win this premiership?

A lot of people have doubted us this year and wouldn't think we were going to make it this far so for me to bring home that grand final, it would be an honour to hold that trophy high to represent myself, my family and the work each and everyone of these players put in. Grand finals don't come around very often so it's more of a personal one to bring that trophy home and put it back where it's been before.

You can also watch the 2023 BMD Premiership grand final live and free at Qplus.tv, Kayo Freebies or 9Now.