The Nepean Ducks will be aiming for back-to-back championships when they face the undefeated Sydney University Cubs in this Saturday morning’s blockbuster Kookaburra Bowl.
The two best Colts teams in the competition will battle it out in the U19’s Final at Brookvale Oval from 9am.
Sydney University won every single match on their way to this weekend’s decider, while the Nepean Ducks’ only loss this season was to the Cubs.
Speaking with the Weekender, Nepean Ducks President Darren White said he’s “stoked” to see his troops back in the final once again.
“The boys put in a lot of effort during the off-season and it’s paying off now,” he said.
“They just get in and get the job done. They don’t try and go after records; they just execute their game plan, and the results speak for themselves.”
The Ducks defeated the Wollongong Mustangs 32-12 in last Saturday’s semi final at Neptune Park in Revesby. It was the second time in the space of two weeks that the two sides faced one another.
“The boys were excited for a moment after the game, but they knew the hard work was not over yet,” White said.
“When we played the Mustangs the previous week, it was a lot closer affair due to the wet weather but last Saturday, the boys executed well when it mattered the most.”
Having won last year’s Kookaburra Bowl at the same venue, the Ducks have somewhat of a mini advantage over Sydney University in this Saturday’s fixture, however White says the Ducks team isn’t a carbon copy of last season’s Champions.
“There is an advantage to have already done it before, but there are a few of our players from last year that aged out, some of our leaders in the team,” White said.
“Fortunately, we’ve had others step it up this year, so it will be interesting to see how they handle the big dance differently.
“The coaching staff has been working hard to get everyone prepared, so they can put their best foot forward on the day.”
Standing in the Ducks’ way of consecutive Gridiron NSW titles are the Cubs, who went through the entire 10-round season plus playoffs without a loss.
“The Cubs were our only loss for the season,” White said.
“Sydney Uni are a really strong unit. They are a force, and they are always tough.
“They seem to have a really good squad and it’s going to be a tough test for us to go back-to-back – it’s not going to be a ‘cake walk’ that’s for sure.”
The 2024 Kookaburra Bowl between the Nepean Ducks and Sydney University Cubs will be played at Brookvale Oval this Saturday at 9am.
Supporters are encouraged to watch all three finals, with the Opal Bowl (Women’s Final) due to be played at 12pm and the Waratah Bowl (Men’s Final) set down for 3pm.
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.