Sunshine Coast a-grade competition coaches reveal 2024 grand final tips

Rival Sunshine Coast A-grade coaches have revealed their predictions and tips ahead of Sunday’s grand final with one side claiming the key majority. See what they had to say.

SCGRL 2024 grand final preview. Pictures: Cordelia Turner and Facebook.

The clock is ticking ahead of Sunday’s 2024 Sunshine Coast senior rugby league grand finals as rival A-grade coaches have revealed their tips for the main event.

The A-Grade grand final will be contested between minor premiers Coolum and third placed Beerwah at the Sunshine Coast Stadium.

After head coaches Matt Smith (Coolum) and Brett Hill (Beerwah) shared their thoughts and expectations, we surveyed the rest of the competition to see where they stand.

• Grand final coaches highlight game-breakers, key areas, crucial match-ups
  

Competition Coaches Tips

Mick Duff (Noosa Pirates), Bart Hold (Maroochydore Swans), Chris Corbett (Kawana Dolphins) and Ethan Szendrey (Stanley River Wolves). Pictures: Patrick Woods and Facebook.

Mick Duff (Noosa Pirates): “Definitely Beerwah. I’ve been saying them all year as they went undefeated in 2023 and this will be their third straight grand final. I know the pressure will probably be on Coolum but I just think the experience of Beerwah will keep them in good stead and they’re probably the best defensive team we’ve played against all year. They should get Jamie Hill and a few other players back this weekend too so I think they’ll be tough to beat.”

Bart Hold (Maroochydore Swans): “It’s tough to split them. Coolum as minor premiers will go in favourites and they play a fast style that will suit them on that big field and during the day. In saying that Beerwah are Beerwah. They’re a very physical and tough side that won’t give in for the full 80 minutes so it’s really tough. Coolum are the favourites but it would not surprise me at all if Beerwah can get the job done.”

Craig Cleary (Caloundra Sharks): “Probably Beerwah. It’s hard to say but I think they’ve got a fire in their belly that they didn’t have at the start of the year. They’ve had a few things go against them and picked up a few injuries but it’s almost like they weren’t expecting to make it this far and now they’ve got a real shot. We’ve played them both this season a few times so it’s changed a bit but my feeling right now would be to play Coolum over Beerwah.”

Jamie Floss (Caboolture Snakes): “I think Beerwah. I just think they’re a tough and gritty side that have been there before. They know what they’re doing, what it takes and they compete in every area of the game. They never give up and that’s why I think they’re a real shot.”

Chris Corbett (Kawana Dolphins): “I’d put my money on Beerwah. I think they’re a very experienced side that have been in the grand final before and been at the top for the last three years. A few weeks to go I thought it would be a Beerwah and Maroochydore final but Beerwah played us in the last round and lost a few players. I think they’ve got really good depth, they know how to grind a game and they won’t lose their heads. I think they’re a tight unit and that will show on Sunday.”

Marty Cordwell (Nambour Dolphins): “I honestly don’t know if I could split it this year. Both teams are an equal chance of winning it, Beerwah’s toughness and resilience that has been evident in the last few weeks is going to be hard to beat and they might even get a few Falcons boys back this week. Coolum’s flair with Nate Saumalu and Sam Elara and the likes means they can score tries from anywhere on the field. Beerwah will take some beating, they’ll come out physical but I would assume Coolum will be up for the contest. I really don’t know who is going to come out on top, I think it will be a grindy type of game and that will most likely determine the winner with who can hold their own for the longest.”

Ethan Szendrey (Stanley River Wolves): “Coolum for me, I just think they’ve got too much class. I used to coach at Beerwah, I’m mates with a lot of them and have spoken with them a lot but I think they’ve somewhat dragged through the last few weeks off sheer determination which gives them a lot of credit for how hard they’ve fought for each other. At the end of the day I just think Coolum will have a bit too much class.”