They might be known as the Mermaids but coach Ben Tuipulotu reckons his girls play more like another marine creature when their backs are against the walls.

"When they put on that jersey, they turn into piranhas," the proud coach declared after last Saturday's 23-19 semi-final win over Hunter booked a grand final berth.

We will play undefeated Sydney Uni in the decider at Uni Oval on Saturday afternoon (3pm).

"They are full of energy with no fear of anything or anyone," Ben told us.

That was evident as the Mermaids overcame two sin-binnings and a rep-laden Hunter to hold on for the four-point win.

"Our girls were simply amazing in defence. Even when we were down to 13 players, we still managed to defend our line," Ben continued.

"They have an aggressive mindset to smash whatever comes their way."

Uni has been the team to beat throughout the history of the Jack Scott Cup.

They have won seven premierships while Manly has never contested a GF and are first year back in the competition after a 20-year absence.

"It’s like David facing Goliath. We have no Wallaroos and face a team full of Wallaroos and Super W Waratahs players," Ben said.

"We are up against a team full of very talented stars and are the underdogs, but that’s how we like it.

"We are the new kids on the block and it will be fought to the last breath.

"We will not let them have the Cup on the plate. We will unleash and show them that we are here to win and will fight until the end to make it happen."

Rip in, girls, and let's make sure we have as much blue and red support there as possible.

Tickets (available at the gate) are only $10 for adults and $5 children.

We need YOU there to drown out the Uni fans!

"It's a big effort to make a GF in our first year in the XV for two decades," president Matt Curll said.

"Full credit to the coaches and managers Ben, Meli, Bruce and Susan for their guidance, support and undying energy and commitment to this program.

"And credit to all the players for their efforts on and off the field."

Another finals campaign, another disappointment.

Manly's Shute Shield campaign ended prematurely last Saturday following a heavy 45-17 loss to minor premiers Eastern Suburbs at Woollahra – and the post-mortems started immediately.

There were myriad reasons and theories put forward as to why we can't seem to take that next step in the big games.

Is it mental, physical or a combination of both?

Or is the opposition just that little better than us when push comes to shove?

"This is a team with incredible potential and guys with lots of talent so it's hard to sum up," coach Chris Delooze said.

"It's got to sting and it will sting and I don’t think it just comes down to whatever happened today.

"I think there will be a few beers had and a few stories told about the 'what ifs' of this season.

"There was a chance for us to be minor premiers at one stage there and that puts us in a whole different situation. We missed our opportunity."

There were more missed opportunities in the semi after we jumped Easts early to lead 10-0 after 20 minutes.

We lost our compass from there as the Beasties kicked into gear to have the game in their control early in the second half.

The rest of the game was a wipeout as the hosts stepped it up to blow us away.

"We started with great tempo and intensity and should have capitalised on a few of those opportunities," Delooze continued.

"We didn't and we all saw what happened."

Lion-hearted prop Neori Nadruku (pictured), who along with front-row partner Mako Mafileo has been massive for us all season, was almost lost for words when the final whistle blew.

He said: "Devastated…the first 20 was what we wanted and I'm not sure what happened from there.

"They are very clinical. They absorbed the pressure and then took their chances.

"I don’t know what to say. It's very disappointing, especially with a number of boys leaving."

Skipper Hunter Ward added: "We just weren't good enough on the day.

"I thought we were handling this stage of the season better than previous seasons and felt we had the depth to go further, but it wasn’t to be.

"This competition's just getting stronger and stronger and we've got to believe we can compete with the top teams."

The Marlins will now have eight months to reflect on what is needed to make an impact come finals time.