It was only a few months ago that Max Burey and Mac Grealy were roommates, but the two stars are now set to face off for a title when the NSW Waratahs meet the Western Force tomorrow at Scotch College.
The Waratahs have arrived in Western Australia for the Super Rugby AUS grand final, with plenty of the line for both sides as they look to use this season to hit the ground running with their 2027 season preparations.
Watch every second of the 2026 Super Rugby AUS season live and on demand via Stan Sport.
The Force got up 17-12 over the Waratahs in rainy conditions at Pittwater Rugby Park last week, with both players expecting a very different affair tomorrow in Perth.
“It was pretty tough conditions last week, so [we] probably didn't see too much rugby outside of the forwards,” Burey said.
“It was probably a bit hard for either of us to sort of express ourselves,” Grealy echoed.
“But I think this week is set up for running rugby.”
Grealy and Burey were flatmates in Perth with Tom Robertson, with the Force fullback having to take a moment when his former teammate showed up in a sky blue jersey.
“Since I've moved to Perth, living with Bizman [Burey] and Robbo was all I've known, so definitely it was a bit different seeing Bizman in the different colours this weekend,” Grealy said.
“He's in red-hot form, so it should be a good game. Obviously, when we're out there tomorrow, it should be both guys doing their job for their team, but I think after I'm looking forward to a bit of a catch-up.”
Grealy has been in similarly hot form, being called into the Wallabies camp alongside teammates Will Harris and Harry McLaughlan-Phillips as the men in gold prepared to take on the Springboks.
The experience proved incredibly beneficial - and with the Force looking to turn the tables after going down in this fixture last year, any edge will be welcome.
“Being able to sort of be in that environment, as everyone says, lifts your own ability, being around certain people,” Grealy said.
“It was good to just soak it all up for me last week and experience what those players experienced during the test week.
“This year we’ve just been focusing on what we have to do this week.
“No game's the same, and it's certainly different this year as it was last year, different group of lads, different sort of competition in that way. Last week, we know that the conditions were pretty trying, so both teams probably couldn't get their footy going.
“I think tomorrow, that's when it's going to really change and open up. We'll probably see what either team can do. It's been 10 weeks of combinations from when we started this comp to now.”
Burey has hit the ground running at the Waratahs, his injection helping the side to big wins over the Reds and Brumbies in the opening fortnight of action.
The chance to get into a new environment has the flyhalf hungry to make a big impression in Sydney, and a Super Rugby AUS title would be a major feather in his cap.
“I really enjoyed coming into the Tahs and getting into a different environment,” Burey said.
“I think it's always good. I was at the Force for a while. To just change environments challenges you differently, so I think that's been great.
“It's just been awesome to pull the jersey on a few guys that I played at the Force with, like George Poolman, so it's nice to have a few familiar faces. I think it was awesome to jump on this these last couple of weeks and just represent your state.
“[After last week’s loss], the good thing about rugby is no game's ever the same, so what happened last week is somewhat irrelevant- conditions, everything like that. Tomorrow is a completely new game.”
With both teams missing out on the Super Rugby Pacific finals earlier this year, Super Rugby AUS marks an opportunity for both squads to commence preparations for next year with silverware already in the bank.
The Force, who have been hungry for success after showing much promise, will be chasing their first title since 2019, while the Waratahs will be looking to bounce back in time with the arrival of Michael Cheika next year.
“[Super Rugby AUS] is really good because it just keeps challenging your depth and getting boys better and getting guys more experience,” Burey said.
“I think all Super Rugby teams have benefited from it.
“You got to put yourself in these scenarios, and hopefully from a Waratahs perspective, we're in the finals next year for Super Rugby. Playing in a game like this, hopefully a lot of the boys will be in that same 23, and you can take the learnings from it, you've experienced it before.”
“I think it would definitely mean a lot to this group [to win],” Grealy said.
“I think there's a fair few boys here who experienced the pain of the loss last year. To be able to hopefully raise a trophy at home is something that's certainly motivating.
“With our group building the squad depth, it's a good opportunity for guys to play in these games. We want to be in finals next year.
“Any experience you have in do-or-die games is good experience.”
