Fines set for last game at Western Force in NRC grand final

Issak Fines will get a close look at some future teammates when he leads Western Force into battle for the last time in the National Rugby Championship grand final.

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Issak Fines will get a close look at some future teammates when he leads Western Force into battle for the last time in the National Rugby Championship grand final.

The Port Douglas product will wear the No.9 of the Force against Canberra Vikings in this afternoon’s contest before he moves to the ACT to link with the Brumbies.

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The Force lost just once in the seven-game NRC season, then beat Brisbane City 42-38 in last week’s semi-final to secure a home final.

Fines has been an integral part of the Force’s line-up, leading the franchise through an unbeaten Rapid Rugby campaign before playing a key role in steering them through the NRC season.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 19: Issak Fines of the Force is tackled by Nicholas Chapman of Brisbane City during the NRC Semi-Final between the Western Force and Brisbane City at University of Western Australia on October 19, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images)

Combined, the team has lost just once after getting through the Rapid Rugby fixtures undefeated.

“It’s been a pretty good year,” Fines said.

“We had a good run except for that loss to NSW Country, but we’d rather lose one there than during the finals.

“Both teams are pretty similar in how they play.

“The key for us will be just to make sure we convert our opportunities into points.”

THE BIG Q&A WITH WESTERN FORCE STAR ISSAK FINES

Fines has made Western Australia his home for the past few years, and while he is about to return to Canberra he was thankful to the Force for the opportunity to play.

“It is a little bit sad, but I’m here and I’ll be giving it my all to finish with a title,” he said.

“The Force have been really good to me and I’ve loved my time at the club. It should be a good way to finish.”

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 06: Issak Fines of the Force runs the ball during the round six NRC match between the Western Force and Brisbane City at UWA Sports Park on October 06, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

A win against Canberra in today’s final would not only cap a dream stay in the west, but could work wonders for his selection chances ahead of Brumbies preseason training.

The Brumbies have signed former Wallabies scrumhalf Nic White, which could relegate the 24-year-old Fines to a depth position.

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Strong performances in clutch games like today’s final and throughout preseason, which starts in November, could lead to a Super Rugby start for the former Reef Raiders junior, who burst onto the stage in 2016 when he claimed Queensland Premier Rugby’s Alex Evans Medal for the Player of the Year in his first full season of Premier Grade.

The grand final kicks off at 2pm today. You can watch it live on Kayo Sports.

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Originally published as Fines set for last game at Western Force in NRC grand final