BRL grand final: Past two premiers Panthers, 'Gulls to battle it out

West Brisbane will meet Wynnum Manly Juniors in the Premier A Grade grand final on Saturday at 4pm at Totally Workwear Stadium.

The Panthers and Seagulls played the 2022 decider at BMD Kougari Oval where the Panthers claimed the title in an undefeated season, 36-16.

For the defending premiers Wynnum Manly Juniors it will be their third straight grand final after downing Bulimba 28-18 a year ago.

The Panthers will tackling their third grand final in four years. West Brisbane played Valleys in 2020 only to be pipped 20-18 with four minutes remaining.

The last time these two sides met in the regular season was in Round 11 at Kitchener Park, the last time the Juniors tasted defeat in 2024 losing 18-6.

They have gone on to win nine straight, including two knockout semi-finals, after taking a place in the top five after Round 16.

Panthers co-captain Kyle Van Klaveren (pictured below), who has played every season since the reintroduction of the BRL in 2015, said of the challenge: “It will come down to who wants it the most. We need to worry more about ourselves than anyone else. Wynnum have strike power all over the park, a good forward pack and pace out wide. We just must turn up and want it”.

The Seagulls are chasing back-to-back titles and their fifth title in total.

James Robinson said ahead of Saturdays showdown: “We’ve really earned it this year. We struggled early on, but we didn’t go away, we just kept showing up and that’s what it’s all about, so happy to be in another one".

“It will be tough, (West Brisbane) are a very, very good side, we just need to stick to our same routine and game plan and hopefully the results go our way.”

Panthers coach Danny Green and Seagulls coach Jason Harris have done the work to get their squad to the big dance. It is now up to the players.

Many thanks to the match officials throughout the season and those appointed to the biggest day of the year in the Brisbane Rugby League season.

In reserve grade, minor premiers Wynnum Juniors will take on Bulimba at 2pm.

The Seagulls also finished as minor premiers in under 21s and they will come up against the Panthers, who finished second. Kick off set for midday at Totally Workwear Stadium.

Team lists - A grade

Match officials