Sunday’s appearance in the Group 11 rugby league grand final is proof the Wellington Cowboys club is in a strong position.
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That’s the feeling of the Cowboys faithful, who are expected to make the trip to Caltex Park by the busload to cheer on their side, much like they did last year when Wellington made the under 18s decider.
Fans from the closeknit club celebrated as hard as anyone when the Cowboys claimed last year’s juniors title and hopes are high an in-form reserve grade side can repeat that feat.
“The vibe has been good,” Cowboys player Chris Ahsee said earlier this week.
“Ever since we snuck into the final five. We did it the hard way.”
Ahsee will miss the match through injury but he has been acting as an assistant to coach Trent Forrest in his side’s run through the finals.
The fact he is missing is not a huge blow to a Cowboys side which has enjoyed strength in depth during the post-season.
That will be important against a side as strong across the park as CYMS in Sunday’s decider.
When the sides’ met early in the year it was a convincing win to the Fishies but the Cowboys won when the sides met late in the final season.
The side that ran out that day is similar to the one which will play in the grand final.
That result and the eye-catching finals run has put much confidence into the Wellington camp but Ahsee knows CYMS has threats all over the field.
“Hooker Hamish Astill, if we let him do what he’s done each week, that will cause us drama,” he said.
“And CYMS fullback Tom Yeo - if we don’t play to our game plan he’ll wreak havoc.”
The battle between Astill and his opposite number nine, Wellington’s Brogan Black, will be one of the highlights of the day.
Black was a key part of the Cowboys’ run to the under 18s title last season and after a slow start in 2017 has developed into a key figure in the senior grades.
With a huge crowd to be on hand cheering throughout the match, Cowboys secretary Ray Fabar said the club and town is primed for grand final day.
“It means a hell of a lot to the club,” he said.
“Last year the under 18s were premiers and a few of those players have stepped up to seniors.
“To get into a grand final tells you the club is strong.
“There will be a sea of maroon and white at Caltex Park.
“A grand final is a special day. A lot of players can play all their life without even getting to one.
“The game’s there to be won and I’m confident.”
Sunday’s reserve grade grand final is scheduled to kick off at 11.15am.
