Josh Thompson is no stranger to grand finals but admits he's much more nervous coming into the weekend's clash with South Wagga than ever before.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Thompson took over as Cats captain this season and leads them into the decider at Robertson Oval.
The 25-year-old's first grand final was a loss to Wagga RSL in 2012 but the opening batmsen has won three since then, including two against South Wagga.
However the leadership role has changed his approach.
"I'm actually pretty nervous to be honest and I've been running a heap of scenarios through my head," Thompson said. "I've just got to be confident in what we've got to do and really lead from the front.
"I'm very excited as captain for our club, it is a big honour and I want to do our club proud and put in a big performance."
Wagga City have made one change to the side who beat the Blues a fortnight ago with coach Rob Nicoll making way for Cane Graetz.
The Cats have never had the week off before going on to win the title, but Thompson is pleased with how the side comes into the clash.
"Preparations are going good, everyone is pretty excited and everyone wants to do well," he said.
"They've all got their concentration face on at the moment."
It's been a big comeback for the Cats this season.
They went from premiers to wooden spooners last year but have been the team to beat since round one this season.
Thompson believes Nicoll's influence turned things around.
"Obviously last year didn't go to plan but this year with Rob Nicoll taking over he had a few changes to people's mindset and game plans," he said. "Everyone plays a role in the team and it's a credit to Rob.
"We've come a long way this season and every individual in the team knows their role."
A draw is enough for the Cats to win fourth title since 2013 but Thompson doesn't want that to affect the way they play. Instead he's looking to win.
"Normally we are playing a really aggressive brand of cricket to turn and get to the grand final," Thompson said.
"We've had to bowl first in previous grand finals to make sure we could chase the runs down so this year it is going to be a different approach but there is still going to be a positive intent.
"It's nice going into the grand final with the little upper hand with the draw, but we don't want to focus on the draw. We still want to win the grand final."
READ MORE
