A FULL house is expected at the Nowra Showground when the reigning Group 7 premiers Nowra-Bomaderry take on Gerringong.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Both teams' seasons will go on the line at the Nowra Showground, with the Jets going in confident following their gutsy 12-8 win against Warilla last week.
“We stuck in there last week, found a bit of form and were able to grind out a win,” Jets' Steve Brandon said.
“I was very happy with the effort the boys showed.
“It was a great way to win and it seems that we always ruin the party for Warilla [after defeating them in the grand final last year].”
Jets five-eighth Brandon said his team are expecting it to be one of the biggest crowds they have played in front of.
“It should be an absolutely huge turnout at the Showground on Saturday,” he said.
“Gerringong and us always have tough matches and that’s how the fans love it.
“We defeated them [Gerringong] at the showground last year, so hopefully history repeats itself.”
Gerringong were one of the pace-setters all season and Brandon admits anything but their best won’t be good enough.
“Defence is the key for us and it has to go to another level again this week,” he said.
“Last week we had unbelievable line defence and we need to replicate that against a very well-drilled Gerringong side.
“And when we get the ball, we don’t have much trouble putting points on the board.
“Our backs Nathan Falzon, Zac Kershaw, Keiran Brandon and Isaac Mumberson are some of the most underrated in the competition and know how to find the line.”
Despite one of their best wins of the year, Brandon has emphasised that his team aren’t getting ahead of themselves.
“We have spoken about taking it one week at a time and not looking forward to next week until this one is done,” he said.
“Last week was a huge confidence booster for the boys, proving that we can grind out wins when needed.
“The belief is back with the boys and it will hopefully translate to another strong performance on Saturday.”
Gerringong will look to rebound after a tough loss to Kiama last week, but coach Michael Cronin knows the task isn’t going to be easy.
“The boys have responded well this week on the training paddock and are preparing well,” he said.
“In the finals, you have to expect everyone is going to be good, so we know this Saturday isn’t going to be easy.
“We know the Jets have the ability to score points, so our defence is the key.
“But that’s no different to us in any week, as we pride ourselves on our defence.
“We won’t be changing our style that has worked for us all season.
“That style works because of the quality of players we have at our disposal.
“At the end of the day, whichever team plays as close to their best footy on the day, will get the win.”