The Reds are refusing to look past Friday's clash with the Western Force as they wrap up preparations for the Grand Final
With their spot in the decider locked up, you wouldn't blame the Reds if they decided to rest their stars and ensure their fitness for May 8.
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However, that goes against everything that the club stands for according to captain Liam Wright, who proclaimed that they want to remain unbeaten throughout the season heading into Trans Tasman.
“The mindset is to get the job done. We know that every time we pull the jersey on, that’s all it’s about,” he told the media.
“As far as we’re concerned, we don’t want to lose in this Queensland jersey.
“I’m sure there will be plenty of reasons to switch off but this group is hard-willed.
"All we’re going to do is focus on our clinical accuracy, we might not train as much given it’s a short turnaround from a lot of guys playing club so we’re going to have to be very accurate and ensure our heads are on when we turn up."
The hunger to stay unbeaten and avenge their loss from last year drives the Reds.
This was evident throughout their bye last week, with over 20 players returning to clubland as they look to press their claims and ensure their spot in the matchday 23.
“We had a lot of guys chasing minutes for club…I think it showed the great respect we have for the Queensland Premier Rugby pathway,” Wright believes.
“It’s been a breeding ground for most of our squad. For me, it was great to pull on the Tigers strip, I know I lot of the Brothers/Wests boys were pretty stoked to be out there.
“These boys just want to play footy and we had a great time doing it.”
They will head to Perth on Thursday to prepare for the Western Force, who need a win to secure their first-ever finals appearance.
With their season on the line, Wright and the Reds are completely aware of the stakes when they get to HBF Park on Friday.
“We’ve seen them close out some tight games, they are a very tough contest,” he said on the Force.
“We’re really looking forward to going over to Perth and ripping into it. They got everything to play for but as far as we are concerned, so do we.
“We have massive respect for the Queensland jersey that we’ve built over the last few years so every time we pull it on, we want to do it proud so we’re not looking past this week.”
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The Western Force will open Anzac Round when they host ladder leaders, the Queensland Reds at HBF Park in Perth on Friday 23 April, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport, click here to purchase tickets.
