The hat-trick premiership coach has endured one of his toughest seasons at the helm, winning just four out of nine games this summer, and one side – Young Guns – have been particularly damaging.

The pink and black juggernaut recorded three straight wins over Jets earlier in the competition and are firm favourites to storm into the grand final.

“No one’s really got close to (Young Guns’) standard this season,” Salmon said.

“Mark has got that particular bunch of girls in great shape and he’s taken a few years working hard to get them to that point.

“The results speak for themselves and they’ve gone through undefeated, so it’s been a good season for them.”

Jets’ attack has never been in question with representative stars Rhiannon  Podmore and Vienna Randal pulling the strings but defensive lapses have taken their toll.

The defending premiers conceded an average of 4.7 tries per game through the regular season and must tighten up if they’re to come up trumps at Jubilee Park.

“Young Guns are a hard side to defend against because they’ve got so many good attackers,” Salmon said.

“Most sides have one or two players that really drive them forwards but they’ve got four or five who can attack from anywhere.

“We’ll need to work on our defence and that’s our challenge.”

An upset win would be a massive confidence booster for a side chasing four consecutive premier grade titles and Salmon is holding out hope for a boilover.

“I’d rather not be playing another game next week, so hopefully we can get up and head straight into the decider.”

“We’ve got a few players heading off to states next weekend and I’d prefer everyone to be fresh if possible.”

The winner will earn a spot in the grand final on December 18 with the loser set to face the winner of Don Tuckwell’s Audio and Farmers Home Hotel. 

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