By Tom Primmer

Two of the competition’s best set-piece sides will go head-to-head in the second semi-final, with GPS facing Wests.

The Gallopers have the unprecedented advantage of a home crowd, with Ballymore’s unavailability meaning Ashgrove will host both semi-finals.

Jeeps will be without stars James Tuttle and Tuaina Taii Tualima, seeing Josh Vuta and Ollie Bartlett step into their shoes respectively.

Emosi Tuqiri, Maile Ngauamo and Jack Straker will look to get the side on the front foot at scrum time, while Matt Gicquel will be crucial in the backrow.

Chris Kurindrani and Maaloga Konelio provide strike in the centres, while the Gallopers will have their own 24^thman in terms of the Ashgrove crowd on Sunday afternoon.

Head coach Shane Arnold said his side is looking to do the little things right after an extended break.

“Our focus is on executing the basics well after having a break due to Covid,” Arnold said.

“Our pack is always excited to take on good set piece teams and this week is no different.

“The team loves playing at GPS and understands this is once off opportunity so we’re looking forward to it.”

Wests have named an imposing pack to take on the set-piece might of Jeeps, with George Francis, Ethan Dobbins and Latu Talakai running on in the front row.

Keynan Tauakipulu, Connor Anderson and Richard Skelton start in the back row, with physicality around the park set to be a major factor in this one.

Ilaisa Droasese and Ilikena Vudogo provide flair out wide, while Isaac Henry and Carter Gordon will add direction and punch to the midfield.

After a three-year finals absence, this weekend is a huge occasion for the Bulldogs and their fans, with the side out to break a 15-year premiership drought.

They’ll have to contend with a raucous GPS crowd if they are to do so, but skipper Rob Puliuvea says the side is well prepared to do just that.

“It’s one of those things where you just have to deal with it. In saying that, it adds a bit of excitement to it,” the Bulldogs lock said.

“What better way to get into the Grand Final than to play at Jeeps home ground and take the win from them there.

“It’s a really special time for the club. There’s a couple of boys who have been around since the 2017 finals who missed out so theres some redemption plans there.

“It’s going to be a really good battle up front with Jeeps.

“They’ve always been a class above at scrum time, so we’re looking forward to the battle.”

Wests will take on GPS at Yoku Road at 3:00pm on Sunday, while Uni face Brothers at the same time on Saturday afternoon.