FORMER Muswellbrook Rams player and NRL referee Shayne Hayne believes this Sunday’s all-Queensland decider will be one of the closest in recent memory.
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Hayne (pictured), who played in three consecutive Group 21 grand final losses for the Rams from 1990-1993 before becoming a referee, said both teams had plenty of extra motivation.
“When you look at the two sides, the [Brisbane] Broncos have been one of the most consistent.
“They haven’t really had a bad patch throughout the season,” he said.
“The [North Queensland] Cowboys started really badly but have gotten better and better.
“They’ll be hungry after what’s happened to them in the finals over the past few years, and the Broncos obviously have [Justin] Hodges retiring so it’ll be interesting.
“I’m expecting a pretty fast and open game.”
The current NRL Referees Emerging Development Coach said he would be eager to return to Muswellbrook for next year’s Old Boys Day.
“Unfortunately I missed the one this year because I had to go to New Zealand,” he said.
“But I really want to get back and see some familiar faces,” he said.
The NRL grand final will kick off at 7.15pm in NSW, with Queensland an hour behind.
