Souths coach Emma Yates says she'll happily adopt the underdog tag ahead of Saturday's grand final clash with Woodville.
It's an unfamiliar role for the Souths cohort, who are vying for a third straight RUSA women's premiership.
Yet minor premiers Woodville have been far and away the standout side of 2024, having charged to the big dance unbeaten, including three straight wins over Yates' side.
The Wasps ran riot in their first two meetings, winning 40-12 in April and 31-7 in July, before booking their grand final ticket with a 29-17 victory in Week 1 of RUSA Finals.
"We are very aware we're coming in as underdogs and we've a lot of work to do," Yates said.
"(Woodville) have a lot of really fast and cluey backs, a few new recruits who have added real quality and they're a different side to last year.
"But that also relieves a bit of pressure for us. We come in as underdogs and I think we've got them in the forwards and set piece.
A RUSA Player Life Member and Souths legend, Yates says completing a three-peat after success in 2022 and 2023 would ice an incredible run for the red and green.
"A team can win all year but it's whoever wins on the day, that's what counts," Yates said.
"We're chasing that three-eat and three in a row would be incredible for this group.
"They've worked hard and they'll be ready."
