The experienced player and mentor said the pain of last years straight sets finals exit after a stirling 15-2 regular season could not be ignored, but was not a talking point. "Ill leave thay up to them to remember the pain, it hasnt been mentioned as a team once," he said. "I think the mindset is completely different this year, we were mentally spent and carrying injuries but also thought it would just happen as well. We are in a better position now than then."
Port steamed home from third place to win last years flag but will start as favorites to defend their premiership after a 16-2 campaign four wins more than Souths. Souths did take their scalp earlier this season though with Lock confident the result is not a formality. "They won four more games than anyone else this season so are rightfully best in the comp but were every chance," he said. "We knocked them off in that game during a bit of a run then went off the boil ourselves but I think were starting to get back to that level again."
Port have made a habit of slicing up opposition midfields this season and to counter that Lock knows his side must kick and handball to perfection.
At what could be a breezy Cazalys that might pose problems, Lock insists the game plan is essential. "Clean ball movement is key, if we are bombing away theyll just pick us off all day and create too many chances for their forwards." Lock said. "We've been doing that well again though."
Saturdays winner will earn next week off, while the loser will pleay the victor of Saints and Centrals who play at 1pm tomorrow.
Article Courtesy of Murray Wenzel The Cairns Post
Last Modified on 04/09/2015 14:36