Forget a red rag, the only thing Shepparton Bulls will charge at this weekend is the cup.
The Bulls face old foe Kiwi Hawthorn in the Victorian Rugby Premiership grand final on Saturday, set to be played at Box Hill Rugby Club.
Coach Moronae Silaga took solace from the cool heads displayed by his troops in their last meeting with the Kiwis, a 31-26 win in round 15, which catapulted the Bulls to a minor premiership.
He said a hard-line approach to discipline may be the split once again.
“We were pretty calm in that last one compared to the last two games that we played the Kiwis,” Silaga said.
“The Kiwis scored the first try straight off kick off, but I could tell the boys were very calm and they tried to come back and control the game the way they wanted.
“But discipline plays a big part of it.
“That’s what we’re working on; hopefully we can get our discipline right for the grand final and I’m pretty sure if we get that right, we can get on top of the Kiwis.”
Discipline is one thing, but line-breakers and game-changers are also essential in rugby union.
Thankfully for Silaga the Bulls have those in spades.
He identified a couple of movers and shakers within his ranks, none quite as dangerous as fullback and try-machine Danny Patea.
“He’s been outstanding the whole season, he’s picked up a few injuries, but he should be all right,” Silaga said.
“I reckon he’s the one that we need to find in space and I know if he gets some space he will finish some tries and help the boys out.
“The other one is our number eight (Liahona Vaegaa), he’s one of our most experienced in the forwards.
“We rely on him to control his forward pack and to lead from the front.”
The Bulls’ turnaround from last year is quite exceptional from the outside looking in.
From ruing a slow start in 2022 which, despite a crusading run in the closing rounds, cost the side a finals spot to a minor premiership and a shot at the title in 2023, even Siliga has to pinch himself when looking in the rear view mirror.
“I never thought we were going to make it this far,” he said.
“Last year was a lesson for us all, we came back strong in the last five games, but it wasn’t enough to get us to the top four.
“This year we wanted to start well and finish well so we can try and push us up into the top four so we can play some finals.
“After the game against the Kiwis we became the minor premiers of the tournament.
“We never thought about it, but we got it, so I’m completely proud of the boys and their hard work and effort.”
Pride flows thick through the Bulls, but there’s one more game left to take by the horns.
“We’re going do the same with this one, we’re going to enjoy it, just work hard and do the best that we can,” Silaga said.
“Win or lose we’re already pleased with the result this year so far ― but we’re going to go in and try and win.”
What’s on in sport
Shepparton Harness Racing
Group racing will return to Shepparton Harness Racing Club tonight in what is certain to be an action-packed race meeting.
The time-honoured Shepparton Trotters Cup will be run and won during the 10-race card, with the racing to kick off at 5.36pm.
The Group Three Trotters Cup is slated for 9.09pm and has drawn a cracking field of nine talented trotters.
GV Suns
At McEwen Reserve, Goulburn Valley Suns under-21s lock in for a preliminary final tomorrow in the National Premier League Three (NPL3).
Though the senior outfit’s season has run its course, the under-21s will square off with Nunawading City for a chance to book a spot in the decider.
Ryan Hassett’s side finished second in the NPL3 under-21 campaign, the best finish of any Suns’ under-21/20 team in the club’s history.