It might not be the main fixture, but Dubbo’s Kaide Ellis will savour every moment of running out on NRL grand final day.
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We want to be the best team at Intrust Super Premiership level in Australia.
- Penrith's Darren Nicholls
Ellis will start in the second row for the Penrith Panthers in Sunday’s Intrust Super State Championship clash with the Papua New Guinea Hunters.
Despite it kicking off four hours prior to the NRL decider between the Melbourne Storm and North Queensland Cowboys a bumper crowd is expected at ANZ Stadium for the clash between the best second-tier sides in NSW and Queensland.
The Panthers won last weekend’s NSW Intrust Super Premiership (ISP) grand final over the Wyong Roos while Papua New Guinea claimed the title in Queensland after a thrilling come-from-behind win.
This marks the second time in four years Penrith has featured in the Championship match and the defeat to the Northern Pride in 2014 is what’s driving coach Garth Brennan and his Panthers heading into Sunday’s battle.
"He (Brennan) keeps telling us that they didn't go into the game with as much intensity as the grand final in 2014," Penrith captain Darren Nicholls told NRL.com.
"He's lost one before and knows that feeling so it's really driving him.
"It is weird because you've got to put last week's game and the celebrations behind you. This is grand final number two now.
"We want to be the best team at Intrust Super Premiership level in Australia."
Ellis, who has played mainly at prop this season, will revert to the back row on Sunday. That is the position where he played his junior footy and where he featured when he helped Dubbo CYMS to the Group 11 under 18s grand final in 2014.
Prior to last week’s NSW ISP title win, Ellis said the chance to play on the biggest day of the season was driving his side. The Dubbo junior will be a key figure, alongside Nicholls, back-rower Viliame Kikau and free-scoring winger Maika Sivo.
Kick-off is 3.15pm.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
