Devils ready for NRL grand final day - Norths Devils RLFC
Kierran Moseley is back on the biggest day in Australian rugby league.
Moseley will lead the Norths Devils into tomorrow’s NRL State Championship showdown with Newtown Jets at Accor Stadium.
He’s been there twice before – in 2014 Moseley played for Penrith in their clash with the Northern Pride.
Two years ago, Moseley was part of the Devils team that fell to the Panthers.
So it wasn’t surprising this afternoon when Moseley was relaxed and laughing at Accor Stadium with some of his old Panthers teammates as the Devils crossed paths with the Penrith team preparing for tomorrow night’s NRL grand final.
It was a busy afternoon at the ground as the Devils players received high fives from musician The Kid Laroi who was preparing for his pre-game set tomorrow night.
Moseley and Penrith skipper Isaah Yeo had a long chat, reflecting on the days when they shared a house as young men in the early days of their senior careers.
Moseley made his NRL debut for Penrith as a 20-year-old before moving to the Gold Coast Titans as he forged a reputation as a crafty hooker who played with vision and courage.
His move to the Hostplus Cup has been a blessing for the Devils who have made the most of Moseley in the No.9 jersey as he figured in premiership wins in 2022 and 2024.
The NRL State Championship has eluded him in the previous two attempts but this Devils team is prepared to take on the NSW Cup champions with some confidence.
Moseley, Jack Ahearn and Jacob Gagan are the only survivors from the Devils’ 2022 team and the captain believes this preparation has been more settled.
Two years ago, the Devils were backing up within seven days from their Hostplus Cup grand final and played without premiership halves Tyson Gamble and Tyrone Roberts.
The Devils had only one fulltime footy player that day – forward Brendan Piakura – against a Panthers team with 14 fulltime squad members.
The Devils have come to Sydney with a squad with two changes from its grand final triumph over Redcliffe – prop Tuki Simpkins and utility Julian Christian have been ruled out.
Coach Dave Elliott has brought James Flack and Devils junior Zak McGuire into the team that keeps its spine intact along with its four NRL Dolphins players who have been an important part of this year’s squad.
“This year is a bit different to two years ago because we’ve been able to keep the same spine going into this game,” Moseley said.
“And we’ve got good combinations across the field especially with the Dolphins guys being a regular part of our team across the year.
“It’s a big opportunity for everyone to play on grand final day. We’ve only got the three players who have been here before but that’s not an issue.
“We’ve got a lot of young guys in this team and they just play their footy. It’s a fun team to be a part of.”
The Devils will open the billing on grand final day before they turn their changing room over to the Sydney Roosters for the NRLW grand final.
The Devils have a strong connection to that decider – the opposing five-eighths were part of Norths’ BMD Premiership team earlier this year.
Jocelyn Kelleher (Roosters) and Georgia Hannaway (Sharks) were a key part of that Devils’ squad that reached the grand final but they will oppose each other tomorrow but with the best wishes of Norths supporters.
