Waikohu coach Tahi Hiroki said his boys had been thinking only positive thoughts ahead of the final.
“There’s been no negatives in the camp. We just want to make sure that everything we do to try to win the game on Saturday is effective.”
Hutana pointed to the experience in his squad and how that would help them.
“Only four players in our squad have not been in a grand final before.”
Hiroki said his boys also knew what was required to win.
“They know it is up to them to finish the season off for themselves, and the coaching team have focused on empowering each individual to produce their best effort.
“But while we want the boys to stay focused on the job in hand, most importantly we want them to the enjoy the game and the grand final occasion.”
Hutana is looking to his pack for a huge performance in the final.
“I definitely see our forwards as our key to success. That’s the basic principle in any game of rugby and if our forwards play together, then we should do all right.
“Siosiua Moala, our No.8, is a big game player and he will be a vital cog in our forwards machine.
“Les Hills, at lock, is a player with a lot of potential and tomorrow is his time to shine.
“Tamanui Hill, at blindside, is another along with Stefan Destounis at openside flanker.
“But we need the whole team, backs and forwards, to play their part.
“Wingers George Halley and Andrew Tauatevalu, and Korey Love at full back have been standouts.
“People talk about Waikohu’s sharpness in the backs but these three, in my view, are just as good.”
HSOB great Scott Leighton comes back from holiday today and will be on the bench tomorrow.
Hiroki declined to name any particular individuals in his side as key players.
“For us it’s about the total team.”
Waikohu had looked at their lineouts and scrum in training this week, and it had gone well, he said.
“We have also looked to have our backs run some straight lines to hopefully open up gaps in the High School Old Boys defence.
“I think we have a good forward pack, too, and we have shown them (HSOB) before what we can do.
“Their forwards hold no fears for us. We know they have a big pack but we also know our forward defence is tight.”
Hutana talked about the emotion of the occasion and how it could affect both lineups.
“How well we channel it and come together will be the telling factor.”
Hiroki was well aware of the occasion. It was their first-ever premier grade grand final and that would always be a factor, he said.
“HSOB have been there and won it before, whereas for my boys it’s their first time. But they should be able to deal with the occasion if they stay connected as a group and work together.
“That should overcome any grand final nerves.”
