By LIZ MOORE

UQ’s Con Foley is expecting a different Easts side in the grand final on Saturday to the one they beat convincingly in the major semi-final two weeks ago.

The former Olympic Sevens player said the 2019 Premiers won’t draw too much from that game as Easts rebuilt significantly the following week to knock Bond out 28-3.

“We’re expecting them to be a completely different side. Two weeks ago, we got a good look at each other. Then they went away and improved on a lot of things from that game into the Bond game,” Foley said. 

“I’m sure they’ll be a much bigger challenge and they’ll be a lot better than that first game.

“They’ve been really good all year, especially around the breakdown so we did well two weeks ago to control them around there, but I’m sure they’ve gone away and improved, given the way they played against Bond.

“We’re going to have to be better again,” Foley added.

Being better again in the grand final is something UQ is known for, having won five finals in the past nine years, all under the guidance of current coach Michael Heenan.

“He’s obviously gained so much experience having done it for so long,” Foley said of coach Heenan. 

“I think that experience really pays off when you come to finals time. He knows exactly how to handle a group in terms of when we need a kick up the backside and when we need to reload for a little bit, those sorts of things.”

But Foley doesn’t believe there’s any secret to Heenan’s success at UQ. He just keeps it simple.

“The reason for his success is just his focus on simple skills, like catch-pass, simple breakdown skills, not getting too intricate with game plans or anything like that. Just playing very simply and doing the simple things well.”

Foley, who captained the side in their 16-23 loss to GPS in the 2018 grand final and then missed last year while playing in New Orleans, believes the Red Heavies also gain from the turnover of players at the club.

“For us, it’s just a matter of attitude, trying to get better every year,” Foley said. 

“We’re lucky to have a fair bit of turnover every year in terms of mindset for games. Obviously there are a few of us that have come back that weren’t in the squad last year that won (beating Brothers 31-26). 

“I think that helps and drives the rest of the group, having fresh bodies and fresh minds coming in and really driving to do the same.”

After an illustrious Sevens career playing for Australia at the Olympics in Rio and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, 28-year-old Foley turned his focus fully back to 15-a-side in 2017 and is enjoying playing outside centre at the club where he started as a Colt whilst finishing his engineering degree.

“I love the club. I’ve got a lot of history there.”

As for this year’s side, Foley is enthusiastic. “I think we’re pretty exciting. We’ve got a good base with our forwards. We’ve got a lot of quality backrowers. Lots of tough, physical guys up front. And then, we’ve got some electric backs.”

Foley pointed to Queensland Premier Rugby’s rookie of the year, 18-year-old Mac Grealy, among others that will be sure to impress on the weekend. But he saved the last word for their captain, Pat Morrey. 

“He is one of the most physical and hard-working players in the comp. He doesn’t have to say much to inspire us, because we just look at what he does on the field and follow that example. He’s inspirational through action.”

IMAGE: BRENDAN HERTEL / QRU