The 2023 Hostplus Cup grand finalists will be decided this weekend, as Burleigh Bears and Wynnum Manly Seagulls go head-to-head and Brisbane Tigers host to Central Queensland Capras.
For Burleigh, they are fighting for their first grand final appearance since they won the competition in 2019 - against Wynnum Manly - while the Seagulls will be aiming for their second appearance in three seasons, after losing to Norths Devils in 2021.
On the other side of the competition, Brisbane Tigers last made the big dance in 2018 when they went down to Redcliffe, while Central Queensland are hopeful of their first premiership decider in their 28-year history.
Check out your Finals Week 3 'stats pack' with all of the numbers you need to know for this weekend's games, courtesy of Brad Tallon, as well as your coaches' thoughts on the matches ahead.
Hostplus Cup Finals Week 3
Burleigh Bears v Wynnum Manly Seagulls
Head-to-head (overall): Burleigh 31, Wynnum Manly 17, drawn 3
Head-to-head (finals): Burleigh 2, Wynnum Manly 1
Last meeting: Burleigh 35 def Wynnum Manly 6 in Round 20, 2023
Broadcast: Qplus.tv and Kayo Freebies
- Burleigh have won seven of their last eight games while Wynnum Manly have won their last two matches
- Burleigh have won the last three meetings between these two sides and 11 of the last 12
- The last finals game between these two teams was the 2021 qualifying final won 22-14 by Wynnum Manly at BMD Kougari Oval
A word from the coaches
Burleigh Bears coach Luke Burt: "We know it's going to be a very tough game against Wynnum Manly. They came out super aggressive and strong against Souths in their semi-final last week. So we're expecting more of the same and probably expecting the inclusion of up to four or five Brisbane Broncos players that are going to make them even stronger. I was watching the technical side to see where we can pick them apart for this week. Neither team gave too much away… I thought they both played really well, but Wynnum hung in there and I think it came down to the way they started the match… that’s what got them over the line in the end. After our second half in the first week of finals, I just want the boys to build on that second half. I thought we played a really good half of football. This weekend no real individuals need to step up more than what we did in that game. I know it’s cliché but it was a real good team effort in that second half and I'd like to see the same. The week off was an absolute blessing. We've had a lot of bumps and bruises and a few of the boys that have been sort of just being held together each week. So it was good to have a freshen up. We trained all week and we actually trained on Saturday as well and then got back on Monday so we didn't have too much of a break, but it was a good freshen up for the boys and we had a good opportunity to do some recovery sessions throughout last week. I think for every coach, to make the grand final would be huge. But for me, being my first year here as head coach of the Bears, it would mean a lot to me. It would be my highest achievement as a coach so it would mean a lot to me, also because I know what it means to the club and the players. It would be a great achievement for everyone involved."
Wynnum Manly Seagulls coach Mat Head: "The best thing for us out of last week's win over Souths Logan was that we had a footy team out there that we’d built since last September and October, and that had trained together from November. We all got to do it together. We’ve been here for a long time together and we had extreme confidence that we had the ability to get the job done. The boys really bought into everything. They were rewarded with their effort and scramble. It was an impressive victory. It gives us a lot of confidence that whoever puts the jumper on can get the job done. It showed we’re a real footy club and everything we’ve tried to do worked. Now we get to fight another week against the minor premiers in Burleigh. A lot of people outside the club probably think they'll turn up and beat us but we don’t think that within our four walls. We know who we are. It excites us that we get to go out and put on a good show. Burleigh have shown they’re the best team and deserve to be minor premiers but when you’re trying to make a grand final, all pressure is on the team expected to win which is them. Hopefully at the end of the 80 minutes, we’re the better team."
Match: Bears v WM Seagulls
Finals Week 3 -
home Team
Bears
1st Position
away Team
WM Seagulls
6th Position
Venue: UAA Park, Gold Coast
Brisbane Tigers v Central Queensland Capras
Head-to-head (overall): Tigers 38, Central Queensland 11, drawn 2
Head-to-head (finals): First meeting
Last meeting: Tigers 20 def Central Queensland 18 in Round 12, 2023
Broadcast: Qplus.tv, Kayo Freebies and 9Now
- Tigers have won their last four games while Central Queensland have won two of their last three matches
- Tigers have won the last three meetings between these two sides
- Central Queensland's last win over Tigers was in Round 14, 2021 - a 30-22 victory in Gladstone
- Central Queensland winger Brandon Roberts has now scored 39 tries for the Capras, which is equal fourth on the all-time honour board for them. He is equal with Justin Loomans and is one try behind Nat Bowman in third
A word from the coaches
Brisbane Tigers coach Matt Church: "We've had a good week off. We got a bit of work into them early in the week and then gave them the rest of the week off. We got together as a group on Friday and then let them go and get refreshed. We gave them the weekend to reconnect with family and friends, especially with Father's Day. Coming back this week, I'm expecting a very physical, 80-minute contest against the Capras. What Lionel has been able to do with the Capras has enhanced their DNA. They're a lot harder to handle under his watch and he's done a fantastic job. We know we're up for one hell of a contest. Our main focus is knowing what our strengths are, staying with those as long as possible and building pressure on the opposition."
Central Queensland Capras coach Lionel Harbin: "Looking at our review this week, we weren’t really pleased with the way we started that game on the weekend against the Falcons. We handed over a lot of footy and gave them a lot of opportunities on our try line. In saying that, we defended really well and only gave up the first points with penalties. We were able to really work hard and scramble hard for each other last week and we’ll need that again this week against the Tigers. We just have to keep working hard and turning up for each other. That first time we played the Tigers this year, it was a really good game of footy and it was a really tough game. They’re a big side, they have a really big forward pack and we’re expecting a tough game. We’re expecting a tough finals encounter."
Match: Tigers v Capras
Finals Week 3 -
home Team
Tigers
3rd Position
away Team
Capras
4th Position
Venue: Totally Workwear Stadium, Brisbane
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For more information on grand final day, click here.
