By Tim Mosey

UQ skipper Con Foley will lead his team into battle against GPS to contest the 2018 QLD Premier Rugby Grand Final on Sunday.

The former St. Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace star only knows one way to play – straight, direct and uncompromising.

This approach captured Head Coach Mick Heenan’s attention in 2012, and catapulted Foley into first grade, finishing the season with a maiden premiership title.

“I remember in 2011 we lost in the semi final and then we beat Sunnybank in the final of 2012,” Foley reminisced.

“We had a great year that year.”

Though Foley will lead the team out on Sunday, the Red Heavies will not be short of leadership experience.

“We don’t really have a vice captain. We have plenty of guys who have lead the side over time.

“James Dalgleish, Jack De Guingand and Campbell Wakely are three guys who have lead our side admirably in the past.

“We have a lot of guys who have that leadership experience.”

Leadership is important and club rugby finals are another beast all together.

These two sides have squared off three times this year and while Foley is aware of UQ’s 3-0 record over GPS in 2018, he knows that will count for little come Sunday.

“It’s nice knowing we’ve beaten them this year the Grand Final is going to be a whole new ball game.

“In the major semi they really put it on us and it came down to the last play of the game.

“We know they will be better again from that game and we’ve got to be the same.

“The games during the season – they don’t really count now.”

Foley has a realistic, no nonsense view of what is upon the club this weekend.

They meet a GPS outfit chasing their first premiership since 1996.

“We haven’t spoken at all about last year or going back to back or any of that.

“We are solely focused on our roles for the weekend. We know GPS will be desperate to win.”

Both sides will look to dominate up front then try and unleash their deadly attacking back threes.

“GPS obviously have the two Smith boys (JP and Ruan) up front who lock down their scrum well and the likes of (halfback) James Tuttle who can capitalise on that front foot ball.

“I think facing them up front in their forward pack is going to be a key battle.

“That confrontation will be pivotal toward the outcome.”

Foley will have his hands full, facing off against the Gallopers direct running centre Alfonso Horomia.

Their mid field battle will be something to watch, with both Foley and Horomia well credentialed at carrying their sides across the gain line from first phase.

“Horomia is a good ball carrier. They play a style that’s abrasive and direct so meeting that head on will be key.”

UQ will look to press their attack toward the likes of dangerous outside backs Will Eadie and Jock Campbell who have been stand out for the Heavies this year grabbing 16 tries between them.

“We have been able to mark up in defence and play well off turnovers this year through those guys.

“Hopefully we can do that again in the final.”

Foley said he was surprised to learn that UQ have made almost twice as many line breaks as GPS so far this season.

“It may make sense though, GPS grind you down physically. They’ll be a physical threat all day on Sunday.”

UQ coaches Heenan and Elton Berrange have plenty of experience between them and they will have the side ready for battle after the week of training.

“Heeno has done it all before from a coaching standpoint and his experience is very handy to have.”

Foley also has a wealth of experience.

He was a regular in the Australian Sevens side for several seasons and played at Commonwealth Games, Sevens World Cups and the Olympics.

But through all of this, Foley has always returned to his spiritual home at Stade de Heavy, St Lucia – the affectionately named UQ home ground.

“I think club rugby is the heart of rugby in Australia, particularly at UQ where we have such a great history and culture.

“The coaches we have and the playing group too, I’ve really enjoyed my time coming back.

“It’s been really enjoyable.”

Post Grand Final Foley will kit himself out in Brisbane City colours for a tilt at the National Rugby Championship.

Before that though, he and UQ have a job to do against a ready-to-go GPS XV, out to end their 22-year premiership drought.

Catch all the action Sunday 3:05pm at Ballymore.

Tickets $15 at the gate or $11.75 pre purchased online at redsrugby.com.au.