Grand final rivals close in on history
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The Redcliffe Dolphins and Norths Devils are ready to create their own piece of history as the two rivals prepare to meet in Sunday’s Hostplus Cup grand final at Kayo Stadium.
The intensity went up a notch today when players and coaches from the two powerhouse clubs faced off on the very field they will do battle on this weekend.
Redcliffe was represented at today’s media call by coach Ben Te’o, captain Max Bailey and key forward Josh Kerr.
The trio will play pivotal roles in the Dolphins’ bid for a seventh Cup premiership in the club’s 14th grand final appearance.
The Devils will be guided by coach Dave Elliott, captain Kierran Moseley and talented backrower Oryn Keeley, as they shoot for a fourth Cup title in their fifth grand final.
Recent grand final history suggests the Devils will be tough to beat, with the Nundah club having won back-to-back premierships in 2021 and 2022.
Queensland Rugby League competitions manager Dave Maiden urged fans to soak up the atmosphere.
“Stand up on the hill, get the highest vantage point you can find, have a look around at all the colours that show the tribal nature of our game, and enjoy the banter that starts around that,” Maiden said.
“There is so much excitement and infectious enthusiasm, so do yourself a favour and get on the highest point and have a look, and that’s why you want to come to grand final day.”
Adding to the atmosphere will be the involvement of some of Queensland’s most talented community rugby league players.
XXXX Queensland City will play Country in women’s and men’s matches in what promises to be an entertaining start to Queensland Rugby League grand final day, presented by Ford.
The City teams were chosen from the XXXX Chair’s Challenge, while the Country teams were picked from the 47th Battalion Memorial Trophy and the Foley Shield.
The men’s game will see Toowoomba captain Blake Mara (Country) go head-to-head with Brisbane representative Sam Collins (City), while the women’s match provides another opportunity for the Sunshine Coast’s Country star Georgia Bartlett to test herself against emerging players like City’s Ipswich representative Patrice Chambers.
Community rugby league provides the foundations for the sustained success of QRL statewide leagues, with players, coaches and referees regularly transitioning into competitions like the Hostplus Cup and BMD Premiership.
Future NRL stars will be on display when the Dolphins and Devils take the field at 5.30pm on Sunday.
Hostplus chief executive officer David Elia today acknowledged the efforts of both teams.
"Hostplus is proud to support the Queensland Rugby League and congratulates the Dolphins and Devils on their sustained performance this season as they prepare for the Hostplus Cup grand final this weekend,” Elia said.
“We thank the QRL for delivering another exciting season which has demonstrated the spirit of competition and community across Queensland.”
Tickets to Queensland Rugby League grand final day, presented by Ford, start from as low as $10 for children, making it a great afternoon for the whole family.
QRL Grand Final day – all you need to know
To get your tickets to this year's highly-anticipated Queensland Rugby League grand final day, presented by Ford, click here.
