When the Wiradjuri Goannas came together for round one of this year's Western Women's Rugby League season coach Gerry 'Chicka' Merritt didn't know the names of all his players.
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The side only had one training session on the lead-up to that game, and Merritt couldn't attend and meet the new recruits as he had coaching commitments with Dubbo CYMS.
The side hasn't had another training session since but they head into Sunday's grand final as a united and close-knit outfit that Merritt is incredibly proud of.
"It's a credit to the girls and the way they've gelled," Merritt said.
"It's been very impressive and everyone brings their own skills, knowledge and background.
"We've got girls from rugby union, league tag, and others so it's been really pleasing."
The Goannas, who won last season's WWRL title, head into Sunday's decider at Eugowra as an undefeated force but they also go in without two of their best players.
Try-scoring powerhouse Bec Smyth and Western Rams representative Britt Naden are both out for the clash with the Vipers.
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Smyth has been one-woman wrecking ball each time she's played this season, having scored three or more tries in each of the three appearances she made in the regular season.
She incredibly got through most of last weekend's semi-final with a broken arm but the injury has forced her out of the grand final.
"She's been key every time she's played," Merritt said.
"She's been one of our best but we've got to back ourselves without Bec.
"I truly believe if we can match them for the first 20 minutes we'll go a long way to winning it."
Naden's craft and guile from the halves will be missing as she's part of a Wellington contingent in the UK to watch Cowboys youngsters Rylee Blackhall and Elijah Collis represent NSW Country.
Alahna Ryan slots into the halves to partner Jinnaya Tyson, having impressed in the number seven jersey when scoring a double in the final round win over the Panorama Platypi.
Emily Caton will move into fullback following Ryan's shift. In terms of the forwards and the absence of Smyth, Merritt has backed captain Cassie Toomey to again deliver.
Toomey has led from the front all season and will again be supported by Forbes pair Maggie Townsend and Kaitlyn Andrews.
Merritt hailed Andrews' defensive ability and also her commitment as she travels from Canberra, where she attends university, every weekend to play to for the Goannas.
Andrews was one of many to impress when the Goannas and Vipers met last month, helping her side score a 26-16 win.
"All in all, I'm 100 percent backing them and I've got the confidence we can do it," Merritt said, looking at the decider.
"All I ask is they turn up and give it their all for each other."
Sunday is a massive day for the Goannas club as three of the four sides are playing in grand finals.
The action at Eugowra starts with the under 13s grand final between the Vipers and Mudgee at 9.45am on Sunday.
The Goannas meet Woodbridge in the 15s final at 11am before doing battle with the Vipers in both the 18s and opens.
Merritt said his side owed plenty to the 18s and their coach Shawn Todhunter, as a number of the younger players have backed up and helped out the opens side this season.
The main game is set to kick-off at 1.30pm.
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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.
