But co-coach Angus Stevenson has described the hard working forward as the ideal piece to complement their attacking arsenal.

The 27-year-old will play a crucial role in Saturday's Southern Inland Rugby Union grand final against Ag College at Conolly Park as they look to defend their premiership.

"He's fitted in really quickly. Sam is one of those players who lets his actions do the talking," Stevenson said.

"He's a quieter player and pretty conscientious where he doesn't want to step on toes, I know when he first came over he was worried about taking someone else's jersey.

"The beauty of Sam is just his work rate, he's just what we need.

"We have a number of dynamic, attacking players, ad he does the type of work no one else knows what to do.

"It gives other players the luxury to play their natural game because he's tidying up for them."

O'Leary says putting their foot on the throat early will be crucial as they look to continue their dominance over Ag College.

The defending premiers thrashed Aggies 55-12 in the major semi in the first week of finals to book their spot in the decider, continuing a winning run over their rivals which stretches more than four years.

Waratahs took advantage of a nervous start from Aggies to pile on early points in the nine-tries-to-two belting.

O'Leary, who joined the club mid-season from Canberra outfit Gungahlin Eagles, said they need to bring similar intent early.

"We came out really strong and set the pace of the game. Hopefully we can do that again," O'Leary said.

"I don't know about having a mental edge on them, they're just a really keen side and if you give them a sniff they'll take it. We have to come out strong in the first 20 and shut it down."

O'Leary said there's no complacency despite the dominance of their major semi win, with Aggies responding impressively in a 32-14 preliminary final win over Albury last week.

"Obviously there's a bit of expectation after winning in the first week, but I watched Aggies last week and they were pretty impressive. I'm sure they'll come out a different team," O'Leary said.

"They're a team that will just keep coming regardless, we found that playing at their home ground this season."

O'Leary said he's relished the more open style of rugby in SIRU compared to Canberra.

"There's probably a bit more running rugby in this comp, I'm really enjoying it," he said.

GRAND FINAL SCHEDULE

THIS SATURDAY AT CONOLLY PARK

THIRD GRADE: Griffith Blacks v Deniliquin Drovers (10.30am)

SECOND GRADE: Waratahs v Ag College (12.10pm)

WOMEN'S TENS: Waratahs v Griffith Blacks (2pm)

FIRST GRADE: Waratahs v Ag College (3.20pm)

Ticket Prices: $5-$10 available at the gate

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