Mudgeeraba confident they can be competitive in A grade after sealing back-to-back reserve grade titles

PREMIERSHIP-winning captain Nathan Schwass believes Mudgeeraba can make an immediate impact in Rugby League Gold Coast’s A grade next season after stamping their authority as the undisputed kings of reserve grade.

PREMIERSHIP-winning captain Nathan Schwass believes Mudgeeraba can make an immediate impact in Rugby League Gold Coast’s A grade next season after stamping their authority as the undisputed kings of reserve grade.

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Buoyed by midweek news of their acceptance into the top grade for the first time in 2020, the Redbacks capped a dream week on Saturday by sealing back-to-back Doug Lipp Cup titles with a 20-16 grand final defeat of Tugun.

The Seahawks had dominated the regular season – they dropped just three games en route to the minor premiership – and appeared on track for more success when they overturned a 10-6 halftime deficit to take a 16-10 lead after the break.

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But with the Redbacks riding a three-game winning streak into the decider, they produced their best when it mattered most as two more tries – including a go-ahead Schwass four-pointer four minutes from fulltime - sealed victory.

Schwass said the goal now was to transfer their success to A grade next year.

“I reckon we have the group (to do well), if we just put a bit more commitment into the training. If we can just get a handful more players we can really give it a go next year,” the 26-year-old centre said.

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“Obviously we were trying to get that A grade spot and we found out during the week we got in so that was awesome. We’re a group of mates and a club, rather than just one team trying to win so it makes it easier to play for each other.

“(The key has been) the way Forbesy (coach Wayne Forbes) brings everyone together and doesn’t make it so serious. We all play footy to have fun so as long we everyone is getting along and having fun (that’s the main thing).

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“We felt like we had good momentum going into (Saturday). We didn’t beat Tugun through the year but just the way we were playing, we were confident.

“Everyone was still keen as to win it again.”