By Finn Morton; Photo: QRU Media Unit – Brendan Hertel/Tom Primmer

UQ are preparing for their fourth-straight Grand Final appearance, which included a title in 2017, after defeating defending champions Jeeps at Ballymore last Sunday.

The Students come into Sunday’s decider on a strong run of form. After winning eight of their last nine, captain James Dalgleish is full of confidence as they prepare for this year’s Minor Premiers.

The last two months saved UQ’s season, with the Red Heavies sitting in seventh before their unlikely surge to the Grand Final. Before then, their season was admittedly up and down, including a loss to Brothers which they later avenged in round 16.

“It’s been a rollercoaster season for us with a poor start to the season, then winning a number of games straight to make finals,” said Dalgleish.

“We will look to utilise our experiences in all these games to put us in a good position this weekend. In terms of form, I’m pretty pleased with where we’re at and that we’ve  continued to improve through this finals series.

“A lot of players in the team have experienced finals rugby and can hopefully draw on that this weekend.”

The flyhalf is confident heading into the big dance but is understanding of the challenge that awaits the Students on Sunday.

“They’ve performed consistently well all year and have good combinations across the park.

“Their back row is mobile and physical and will be a real threat this weekend.

“We lost to them in our first game but managed to win in the second. We need to match them physically to give us a good chance of winning.”

Brothers have had an extra week of preparation heading into the Grand Final after they beat Jeeps in the Major Semi-Final.

Dalgleish thinks that the week off “can work both ways” for the Brethren. By missing a week the Captain thinks that the momentum sits with his side after they defeated Jeeps in another dominant display.

“It gives Brothers a good chance to rest their players but also gives us confidence having off a good win against Jeeps. It’s hard to say which outcome is better.”

The final at Ballymore will be the last before the stadium redevelopment, so both sides will be hoping to secure their spot in the history books with a win on Sunday.