Griffith Uni Knights have booked their spot in the Col MacDonald Cup decider after a hard-fought 40-25 win over Coomera in Saturday's preliminary final, setting up a third meeting with Nerang Bulls in just 21 days.
The two sides have split their previous two encounters, with the Knights taking the final round clash 25-19 before the Bulls hit back 24-22 in the major semi.
Knights head coach Joshua Scott chatted with GCDRU to reflect on a season shaped by injury and mateship, and to preview what's shaping as a huge occasion at Nerang - with the Knights' 1st grade side also playing off against the Bulls later in the day.
GCDRU: A grand final appearance! What's pleased you most about the development of your side in 2026?
Scott: It's always great to make the Grand Final. It's what you strive for.
But for me it's more about how the boys come together and the mateship that's forged.
There's just something about digging in the trenches with the boys, that forms a mate for life.
GCDRU: This will be the third time you've faced Nerang in 21 days. Since you've split the last two results, how much tinkering with your game plan have you had to do?
Scott: Not a lot to be fair.
It's more about focusing on getting the boys into the right mindset and fine tuning those little 1%ers.
We do that and the rest will take care of itself.
GCDRU: Where did you fall short in the semi final loss and what area have you identified as coach that needs most attention?
Scott: The club as a whole has been hit heavily with injuries throughout the year.
We limped into that final and only had 3 players on the bench which wasn't ideal.
We actually get a few players back which is handy, so that will add that extra bit of punch and finesse.
GCDRU: You bounced back with a 40-25 win over Coomera in the prelim. What pleased you most about the performance?
Scott: That was actually the first time we played Coomera this season so we didn't really know what to expect. It was quite a tough game.
It took a real team effort and everyone who stepped on to the field did their part. So that was pleasing.
GCDRU: Nerang have the benefit of home ground advantage in the GF. As a coach, is there anything you can do to combat that edge?
Scott: Just keeping the boys grounded and enjoy the moment. Many of the boys have been in this position before so I have no doubt they'll be up for the occasion.
GCDRU: It's a huge day for the club, with the Knights 1st grade side also playing off against Nerang later on the same day at the same ground. What's the buzz around the club like right now?
Scott: Mate, it's unreal.
As I said before we have been plagued by injury throughout the year so these Grand Finals have been the result of real club effort from the top down.
I couldn't be more proud of the tenacity and heart this playing group has shown throughout the year.
GCDRU: You have a chance to say something to the lads before they leave the shed on Saturday - what's your final message?
Scott: We get the WIN & then we sink TIN!
The Col MacDonald third grade Grand Final kicks off at 11am, Saturday 5th September at Nerang Rugby Club.
