IT’S likely to be the toughest assignment any grand final bound side will face this season, Country Rugby League wide, but Forbes coach Jake Grace says his team can knock off Group 11 giants Dubbo CYMS on Sunday.
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An in-form Magpies have swooped from fourth on the ladder to make the Caltex Park grand final, knocking off Parkes, Dubbo Macquarie and then Nyngan last weekend to book a date with CYMS in Sunday’s big dance.
And that run of wins has Grace confident his side can claim its biggest scalp yet, the undefeated minor premiers CYMS.
“We’ve definitely done it the hard way,” Grace said.
“We had our chance to finish second but didn’t close out some close games we probably should have.
“In the last month we’ve played well, knocked off a few good sides ... now we’re eyeing off one more.”
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Grace says his side’s ability to lean on each player to perform in big games has lifted it to the grand final, and it’s that strength as one that’ll ensure Sunday’s game is one for the ages.
“We’ve developed as a side over the backend of the season. We’re not relying on any individuals,” he said.
“Don't get me wrong, we’ve got some great players in the side, but unless everyone is doing their job then we’re not going to win anything, and the boys know that.
“We’ve got to rely on everyone to do their bit for the team and do it well. I’ve got full confidence in the side to do just that.”
Sunday’s game kicks off at 3pm, with this year the Magpies’ best hope of claiming a premiership since the early 2000s.
The Magpies made the grand final in 2001, 2003 and 2004, coincidentally losing all three deciders to CYMS, the 2001 20-18 effort the closest since winning in 1987.