The team has been building slowly through the season and was aiming to go to another level as the competition enters the knockout stages.
Fromthis point forward the quarter-finalists will start on a clean slate with an opportunity to advance another step towards the championship title.
Naming an electric backline and experienced locking duo, the Gallagher Chiefs are determined to take that step on Friday.
“When we play the Reds, we tend to bring out the best in each other. Both teams like to express themselves with ball in hand and we are expecting a fast-paced and fierce encounter,” Gallagher Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan said.
“We have been impressed with how the Reds have been playing, they are clear on their identity, have threats across the park to impose their game on you, and generally look a cohesive happy unit. They will be up for this game and have our full respect.”
“We love playing at home and think we have the best supporters in the world. They have been magnificent turning up for us all year even though at times our season has reflected a bit of a rollercoaster journey,” McMillan said.
“The comforts of home and our fans are all an advantage for us on Friday night.”
So far in the regular season 85,289 fans have made their way through the gates of FMG Stadium Waikato to support the Gallagher Chiefs, with 4136 loyal season members who have shown up week after week.
