‘Enemies for 80 minutes’: GCDRU grand final rematch ignites rivalry on Knights soil, revenge round on horizon
The Griffith Uni Colleges Knights are one step closer to their fifth straight title after a second half effort against turf rivals Surfers Paradise. Hear from both sides post-match on why their next meeting will be even bigger.
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The Griffith Uni Colleges Knights are one step closer to their fifth straight title after a second half effort against turf rivals Surfers Paradise.
The grand final rematch was tied 8-all at halftime, before a run from the Knights led to their 32-18 victory.
Skipper Jaye Paton said it was a clear game of two halves.
“First half was very defensive, we had probably 20 percent of the ball... second half we put a lot more pressure on them.
“We got back to what we should be doing and started to get a roll on,” he said.
Quick to admit there were sore bodies walking off the field, Paton said it was always going to be tough.
“Our two teams always fly into each other so it’s tough and physical.
“We just had to stick to our things and I think we did that, especially in the second half.
“I’ve got friends in there, but all of us are the same.
“Once you cross the line there are no friends, we’re enemies for 80 minutes then afterwards we’re back to normal.”
Initial calls from the touch referee sparked backlash from the Knights on-field, but it was all in good faith according to the number 8.
“That’s just footy, we try to get in and ask questions … see if we can put a thought in their head.
“We don’t really use the referees calls as motivation,” Paton said.
“(They) would rather be not involved than involved, so the more we can take it out of (their) hands and put it in ours the better.”
The side now looks to refresh ahead of round 9, as a number of players who pulled up with injuries require second grade call-ups.
“We’ve got a few changes and a few injuries but we’re going to just try and play the same game,” Paton said.
Coach Shaun Coles confirmed 17-year-old Max Munnery would be out for several weeks with a hamstring injury while Henry Morris would undergo scans on his knee early in the week.
It comes at the season’s halfway point, with both sides admitting the year is far from done.
Nerang Bulls are the only side to remain undefeated thus far, defeating Knights 34-14 and Surfers 13-14.
Despite the difference in scoreline, Paton is confident his boys will learn and adapt for their next top-of-table clash against the Bulls.
“Obviously they’re two completely different teams but we just take it week by week and a win over these guys is a positive thing … we’ll take that into Nerang as well.
“We’re always trying to be confident and know that if we play our game of footy there’s no team that can stop us.
“Build and build and build, that’s the goal,” he said.
Surfers coach Johnny Ngaumo meanwhile said it was a learning curve for his boys – to have so many opportunities and not be able to capitalise.
“Colleges were at home and it’s always hard to beat them here.
“It’s just mental for our boys,” he said.
“We have the skills, we can tackle, just the little things need a brush up.
“The boys know what they did wrong and that’s half of it.
“If they knew what they did well and can rectify that we’ll be okay.”
With eight players sidelined on count of injury Ngaumo said there were still no excuses, and instead praised his second grade call-ins for their efforts.
“It’s a good opportunity for a few players to step up.
“(It’s) the same with every other club, we’re all in the same boat with injuries and plugging holes.
“You’ve just got to deal with it.”
The grand final rematch was initially scheduled for round 1 before being washed out, which means the Knights and Dolphins will face each other once again next week – this time on Surfers soil.
“Yeah, I think we can win next week … you’ve got to be confident,” Ngaumo said.
“We had our opportunities, we had plenty of ball to win the game but too many mistakes.
“It is what it is … one of those things, too many 50-50s.
“Next week will be a little different.”
On other grounds
Helensvale Hogs def. PBC Alleygators 24-5
Coomera Crushers def. Bond Pirates 22-5
Nerang Bulls def. Gold Coast Eagles 52-6
Current ladder standings
Nerang Bulls (33)
Colleges Knights (28)
Surfers Paradise Dolphins (23)
Gold Coast Eagles (19)
Helensvale Hogs (14)
Coomera Crushers (9)
Bond Pirates (5)
PBC Alleygators (2)
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