IT’S THE Central West rugby grand final everyone wanted and now, it’s mere hours away.

It’s a rematch of last year’s grand final that was decided by a Nigel Staniforth penalty goal on full-time, and the two clubs’ rivalry has built to epic proportions through 2017.

Staniforth’s right boot has had plenty to do with that too.

The former Sydney Uni Shute Shield gun landed the killer blow in Round 11 and then in the major semi-final a fortnight ago as well, both penalty goals in the dying stages.

Based on his history in the clutch you’d back the greens’ skipper and outside centre to land one from anywhere, but he’s hoping it doesn’t come down to that again.

“Hopefully we can win a bit more comfortably than that,” Staniforth said, desperate for a third straight premiership in his club’s 70th anniversary season.

“But in these games you’ll take a win however you can get it. We’re looking forward to it, we’re excited, we’ve trained well this week and we’re ready.

“We know Forbes will bring a tough, uncompromising brand of rugby so we just need to get better. Do the little things right, focus on ourselves and enjoy it.”

Considering the way Forbes has lost three of its last four encounters against the Emus – the greens won the other 62-20 in a Round Two drubbing – Platypi skipper Jack Hammond urged his side to stay disciplined.

The Platypi dominated the breakdown in the major semi-final, but it was also ruck penalties which cost the side as fatigue set in.

Hammond, who ran from Eastwood’s bench in the 2011 Shute Shield decider, said he’s confident his side can claim its first title since 2003.

But, he also conceded the Platypi go into the game as underdogs.
With rain and even snow hitting Orange leading into the big dance, Endeavour Oval is likely to be slightly soft underfoot.

Those conditions could play into the Platypi’s hands.

Although Emus’ pack is formidable, Forbes has challenged the greens’ scrum this year – something no other side could do – and is forward-heavy in its attacking approach.

Emus’ speedy, clinical backline is the classier of the two sides’, but wet conditions could nullify its influence significantly.

The Greens did suffer a big blow in the major semi-final, former Mosman Whale Rob Thorburn busted his thumb and underwent surgery not long after, the big No.8 has obviously been ruled out.

Harry Hamilton, the older brother of Wallaroos phenom Grace Hamilton, moves on to the side of the scrum and Scott McLean shifts to the back.

Forbes are expected to be at full strength, as per the preliminary final.

Emus also feature in the second grade grand final, the Greens play Bathurst Bulldogs.

Orange City squares off with Bulldogs in the third grade and colts deciders, while the Bathurst club takes on Cowra in the women’s fixture.

The latter kicks off a bumper day of grand finals at Orange’s Endeavour Oval, from 9.30am. The main game kicks off at 3.15pm.