Super Rugby AU: Queensland Reds determined to finish season of dominance with grand final win

Being beaten by the Brumbies in last year’s Super Rugby AU grand final still haunts the Queensland Reds.

Reds halfback Tate McDermott is determined for Queensland to go one better than last season. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

Still haunted by the scenes of the Brumbies celebrating their Super Rugby AU grand final win last year, the Queensland Reds are desperate to avoid a similar nightmare in this season’s decider.

The Brumbies beat the Reds 28-23 in Canberra in the 2020 final, with the result confirming the winners’ overall dominance of the competition last year.

But it has been a different story in 2021, with the Reds having already twice beaten the Brumbies this year and having earned hosting rights for Saturday night’s final.

However, that superiority throughout the season will mean nothing if Queensland can’t finish the job this weekend at Suncorp Stadium.

“There’s a been a couple of (times) this year where we’ve re-watched that final minute of that grand final where you see they kick it out and there’s a bit of carry on and they win,” Reds halfback Tate McDermott said.

“There’s definitely been a fire burning since that moment last year that has really helped the team.

“We’re still not the complete package but we’re slowly building towards that.

“We do owe them a lot from that game. To see where this group’s gone since that game is pretty impressive.

“I’m really proud of this group ... but we’re not finished yet hopefully.”

Words of wisdom from those who have worn the maroon jersey #WeAreQueenslandpic.twitter.com/y8UtNH2gjE

— Queensland Reds (@Reds_Rugby) May 4, 2021

McDermott’s battle with Brumbies halfback Nic White could not only influence which team wins but also who is the first-choice Wallabies No.9 this year.

Not that McDermott is treating the final as a Wallabies’ selection trial.

“Wallabies is miles behind – I’ve got a job to do for my state first. I’ve got a job to do with Queensland so I can’t really be getting too caught up in that personal battle,” he said.

“For us, we’ve got Queenslanders to make proud, so that’s probably at the forefront of my mind in particular.

“There might be a bit of pressure but it all comes down to my basic skills.

“I’ve been working really hard. It’s nowhere near perfect but under pressure, under fatigue we’ve been working on that at training.

“I’m touching the ball more than any other person on the field so I’ve got to make sure I’m doing my job right and hopefully come Saturday I will.”

Originally published as Super Rugby AU: Queensland Reds determined to finish season of dominance with grand final win