Kildare Catholic College head into the clash with Mater Dei Catholic College as heavy favourites after a 24-4 win over their biggest rivals in the pool stage last month.

Both claimed solid semi-final wins last week to qualify for the decider.

Kildare captain Zac Fairall is looking for his side to rise to the big occasion after a grand final loss and a semi-final loss to Wagga High in the past two seasons.

"I think it will be a very good game with hopefully a bit better luck than last year," Fairall said.

"There is a fair bit of pressure on (being undefeated) but I think we can pull it together, complete our sets and hopefully get up."

Kildare have looked the strongest of the teams throughout the competition.

They have only conceded one try in each of their three games as they look to regain the title for the first time since 2016.

However Mater Dei captain Wilson Hamblin knows his team can cause an upset and go one better than last year to take out the schoolboys title for the first time in almost a decade.

"I reckon we have a good shot if we play hard and keep it up for the whole game," Hamblin said.

"We can't slack off as it will be a tough game and need to keep at it."

Mater Dei haven't been the best of starters throughout the competition so far and it is one thing Hamblin is looking to address.

He thought it was improved in their semi-final win over Mount Austin High and is a real focus heading into the clash at Equex Centre.

The two captains will play a big role for their respective sides and both are looking for strong performances form their forwards to get on the front foot.

Ben Pollack, Nathanael Mooney and Marcus Blair have been strong in the Mater Dei pack while Sam Macklan and Braith Crane have impressed as the Kildare halves combination.

The final will be at 7pm.

A big evening of football starts at 4.30pm with Wagga and Mount Austin Highs playing off for third, and a place in Pool A next season before the Butcher-Preston Cup girls touch final at 5.30pm.

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