By Amy Brticevich, Bachelor of Communications student intern
UPDATE: The Griffith Logan Redbacks are through to their maiden Universities Rugby League grand final after accounting for reigning premiers USQ Ironbarks 54-10 in their semi final last Wednesday.
They will face the University of Queensland Hounds this Wednesday (September 11) at Davies Park, West End, Brisbane.
Club president Luke O’Donnell is optimistic about the team’s chances.
“The Hounds look organised, but we’re confident. If we work hard and train hard we can win it,” Mr O’Donnell said.
“We have to control the ruck against them.”
Kick-off is at 7pm Wednesday and Mr O’Donnell offered these words:
“Come down and support us!”
Last week’s report:
Griffith University’s Logan Redbacks have claimed the Universities Rugby League Queensland minor premiership for the first time in their short history.
After finishing bottom of the table last season, the Redbacks have turned their fortunes around, finishing with six wins from 10 games to claim the top spot.
According to club president Luke O’Donnell, having Nathan Osborne as a non-playing coach helped this time around.
“Last year we had a player coach and we were training soccer and touch football converts,” Mr O’Donnell said. “It was about getting everyone to learn how to play the game.”
Their finals campaign kicks off against the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Ironbarks at Nathan Field on Wednesday (September 4) at 8.30pm.
The Redbacks are coming off a final round 38-22 loss to the Ironbarks, but Mr O’Donnell isn’t worried.
“We back ourselves. They’re not the same team in Brisbane as they are at home in Toowoomba,” Mr O’Donnell said.
The winner will face either the UQ Hounds or the QUT Trouts in the grand final the following week.
The team will be receiving plenty of support with staff from the Logan campus and fans making the journey.
The Universities Rugby League Queensland competition is 6 teams strong, with the Brisbane based Griffith Dragons and the Griffith Gold Coast Panthers missing the finals.