The Glen Innes Elkettes have spent this week putting the finishing touches on their game plan for this Saturday's New England Rugby Union grand final.
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They will face minor premiers, the Pirates, in the decider.
The Elkettes have only beat the Pirates in one out of the four matches they have played against them this season.
After they beat the Blues convincingly in last Saturday's preliminary final to qualify for the decider, skipper Sarah Byrne said they have to turn up mentally.
"If we turn up and play like we did in that first game today [Saturday] and if we come in hungry for it, really just get up in their faces, we know they like to spread it wide, I think we are a good shot," she said.
"We can't leave it until the second game to have that want to win.
"Going out there with our heads in the game really makes a big difference, everyone having that in their mind, going 110 per cent from the first whistle."
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Earlier this week, Glen Innes native and NSW Waratahs' vice-captain Alex Newsome sent the girls a message of support.
Melbourne Rebels Super W co-captain, who Glen's Alana Thomas is the coach of, and Papua New Guinea 7s representative Melanie Kawa also sent the girls a message.
"I watched some of your footage with my coach, Alana Thomas, who some of you may know and geez you girls can play.
"You have so much going for you and it looks like you are a really well put together team and playing for each other.
"So I just want to wish you all the best in the grand final."
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Ellen Dunger
Originally from the Blue Mountains, I spent my teenage years in the Riverina at boarding school before moving to Bathurst in 2012 to complete Bachelor of Sport Studies/ Bachelor of Communications (journalism) at Charles Sturt University. I started my career at The Blayney Chronicle in May 2015 and worked casually, one day a week at the Central Western Daily later that year. I moved to Armidale in March 2016 to take on the role as the Northern Tablelands' sports journalist. Played a variety of sports in my lifetime including touch football, league tag, gymnastics, dance, cross country running and equestrian. Am currently involved in endurance horse riding and racing. Always happy to hear news and tips. Contact me via email: ellen.dunger@austcommunitymedia.com.au or phone/ text 0438 259 985 www.facebook.com/ellendungerjournalist/
Originally from the Blue Mountains, I spent my teenage years in the Riverina at boarding school before moving to Bathurst in 2012 to complete Bachelor of Sport Studies/ Bachelor of Communications (journalism) at Charles Sturt University. I started my career at The Blayney Chronicle in May 2015 and worked casually, one day a week at the Central Western Daily later that year. I moved to Armidale in March 2016 to take on the role as the Northern Tablelands' sports journalist. Played a variety of sports in my lifetime including touch football, league tag, gymnastics, dance, cross country running and equestrian. Am currently involved in endurance horse riding and racing. Always happy to hear news and tips. Contact me via email: ellen.dunger@austcommunitymedia.com.au or phone/ text 0438 259 985 www.facebook.com/ellendungerjournalist/
