THE Narrabri Blue Boars will be looking to secure their first home grand final since 2015 with a victory over the Walcha Rams on Saturday.
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Squaring off in the Central North major semi-final at Walcha, the Blue Boars will be looking to continue their winning form, which has seen them go the second half of the season undefeated.
However, Narrabri captain Matt McDonnell believes the Rams pose one of his side's biggest challenges of the season.
"It is always tough going up to Walcha and playing them on their home ground," McDonnell told the Leader.
"The trip is around about three hours or so from Narrabri, which often makes it one of the more difficult ones every season.
"However, I think we can match up with them pretty well, their home ground doesn't really hold too many fears for us and we are a real chance to host our first grand final in a few years."
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The two sides have shared the points in their two regular season clashes this season, with both sides winning on the road. "Last time we played them we only won by two points," McDonnell said.
"I think that has been one of the most pleasing things about our side's season.
"We have been able to find a way to grind out wins against really good sides like Walcha and Pirates.
"Hopefully we can do it again on Saturday."
McDonnell said "shutting down Walcha's backs" would be a key focus for his side on Saturday. "Obviously our set-pieces will be a major focus for us, as will our defence," he said.
"They have some really talented players in their backs, such as Simon Newton.
"If we want to go close to beating them we have to really focus on shutting those sorts of guys down."
McDonnell said while his side had impressed throughout the season, he was hopeful his experienced players would help guide the side through Saturday's final.
"Our confidence is sky-high at the moment and I think a lot of that has to do with the blend of youth and experience we have in the side," he said.
"We have been pretty lucky to have had the experience of Matt Schwager return to come off the bench for us and the rise of Joe Maunder has been great to watch as well.
"Really though, everyone has played a role in getting us this far and hopefully we can take another step on Saturday."
Saturday marks a special occasion for the Blue Boars as they will feature in the first grade, women's sevens and under-19 major semi-finals.
"There's a great feeling happening around the club at the moment," McDonnell said.
"Hopefully, we can keep it going and have three sides book their place in a grand final."
