Primed to recreate flag win

The Mount Isa Rugby Union reigning premiers believe they are the most disliked team in the competition - not that they have a problem with that.

In fact it spurs them on, with coach Hese Tupou suggesting the team thrives on the title.

``Everyone wants to knock us off because we're the premiers,'' he said.

``It brings the best and worst out of the boys.

``Hopefully the best side of us comes out on Saturday.

``Of course it motivates the team.

``We have always been a team that starts off laid-back, but as soon as the boys make first contact, they fire up.'' 

Tupou revealed last week's preparation involved more resting than training, in a bid to refresh the team physically and mentally ahead of tomorrow night's grand final.

There, the Euros will face Cloncurry, which has clearly been the most likely to topple Euros based on regular season evidence.

``Curry is the one that pushed us all year,'' Tupou said.

``But that makes us go one step better anyway.

``Our forward pack has a lot of mobile guys and I think we've got the boys to match them.

``Dan Reed, James George and Chuan Lee . . . these guys have been doing it for years - now they've got the heart.

``Curry has big boys but heart usually comes out on top.'' 

Another aspect of the Euros' play this season has been a willingness to share the load, not simply relying on a sprinkling of superstars.

``We make sure every player that comes down and sits on the bench gets a go,'' Euros assistant coach Mick O'Connor said.

``It doesn't matter if we're winning by 20 points or losing by 20 points, they'll get a go no matter what.

``It's going to be a really good game and if we play to our potential I'm confident we can match Cloncurry.''