In that time Wadwell has won two and lost two grand finals from different positions and this year will see the antogonist take the field in the number six after Brad McManus decided to stick with skipper and Group 4 Player of the Year Scott Blanch at dummy half.

“I will play anywhere but Blanchy’s speed out of dummy half is so good,” Wadwell said.

“The big boys got going forward and we got the ball on the edges.” 

The Bears will also make a change from the bench with former Kangaroo Tom Learoyd-Lahrs starting in the back row while James Cooper will impact from the bench.

Out the back Jake McManus will return to the side at centre, shifting Abel Carney to the wing.

“I don’t want to change too much,” McManus said.

“We just have to start well and keep on top of them.” 

With plenty of finals experience and depth right across the park McManus knows who to look for in big games.

Shane Wadwell took out last years player of the final with a huge three try effort and has been in good form ever since.

The second rower is always dangerous with the ball in hand, and in particular his ability to create second phase play with players like Blanch always sniffing for an offload.

“Shane has been massive for us again this season, Blanchy is a great leader and it is good to just have Tommy around.” 

“It’s going to be good.”