Southern Inland Rugby Union
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IN THE club's first grand final in decades, silverware isn't the only thing Wagga City will be playing for at Conolly Rugby Complex tomorrow.
Pride is on the line.
The Boiled Lollies may be playing for the first division premiership, but are still out prove they can compete with the top teams.
Missing the top tier by one point, there is more at stake than a chance to claim the City's first premiership since 1976.
Even before qualifying for the grand final, the Boiled Lollies were looking to tackle Tumut in the decider.
Getting their wish following the Bulls' win over Temora, City are out to show they haven't just been beating the lower ranked teams.
English recruit James Curgenven has had a big impact on the club this season, and wants to show just how well City can play.
"It's a good opportunity to prove ourselves and hopefully if we do win it proves we should have been in that top six," Curgenven said.
"We want to make sure we bang as we've had a good tail half of the year, but we want to prove it's not a fluke or by playing the lower teams, that we can of it against the better teams as well."
Grand finals aren't something Curgenven is accustomed to, but the five-eighth is looking forward to a new experience in a decider.
In one of the clashes of the grand final, Curgenven will line-up against Christino Manuolevao.
Both have been outstanding in their first season in the region, but it's the first time they will face each other.
Curgenven missed the game between the two teams earlier this season, but was impressed with the attitude showed by the Bulls against Ag College in the minor semi-final.
"Watching them at Aggies shows how strong a squad they are - they let Aggies get quite a bit of a lead and showed they have a no fear attitude to drag themselves back into the game," Curgenven said.
"Their fly-half (Manuolevao) is quite a strong one and will obviously be a challenge to hold out."
Welcomed with open arms into the club, Curgenven is looking to extend his stay next season.
Work sponsorship is a sticking point, but the five-eighth is hopeful he'll be at the Boiled Lollies again next season.
THEY grew up playing in similar rugby circles, but Hamish Wrafter and James Curgenven has the chance to claim maiden premiership together on the other side of the world.
The Englishmen will line up beside each other to take on Tumut in the first division grand final tomorrow.
Despite living close-by and having a lot of friends in common, the two had never met until Curgenven arrived in Wagga earlier this year.
With English rugby using a promotion and relegation, neither have been in a grand final before and Curgenven is looking forward to sharing the experience with his compatriot.
"It's not often we get to finals so it will be a great experience, and with four clubs in the grand final it's going be a great day hopefully."
In this third season with the club, the grand final could be last time Wrafter pulls on a Wagga City jumper.
Originally planning to stay for one year, he stayed after falling in love with the club, but hasn't made a decision on what the future holds.
"I loved it and that's the reason I stayed," he said.
"I would have left Australia after my first season if I hadn't of enjoyed it and two and half years later I'm still here."
In what could be his last game of the club, Wrafter recognised the unusual link with his compatriot.
"It's just how it works out I guess," Wrafter said.
"It would be funny if we both win a first grade premiership."