The back-row battle looms as a decisive one, with the Blue Boars back three one of their strengths.

Linking up with the Red Devils after finishing his studies, Archer’s name has regularly cropped up among their best.

Never shirking a run, the former Robb College captain is one of the Red Devils’ hardest workers.

And with Sanimo Navatu a powerhouse at number eight, and Archer and Joe Duffy the workhorses, the Red Devils seem to have struck a good balance.

Capable of playing anywhere in the back-row, Archer has been playing blindside in recent weeks, which is his preferable position. 

He prepared for his first taste of Central North finals action by watching his former side take on St Alberts in the New England grand final.

It was only the third time the college rivals had met in a grand final, and Archer admitted he was a bit envious – having not had the chance to play in a first-grade grand final during his time with Robb.

That said, the Mendooran native has really enjoyed the season with the Red Devils.

“It’s been really good. It’s a bit of a different style of footy to Armidale,” he said.

“It’s not quite as fast but probably a bit more direct and more physical.”

The Red Devils will host the Blue Boars after beating Scone in the second elimination final last Sunday.

Conscious of starting well, having let Pirates get away early the previous week, they produced probably their best start of the season, Archer said. They’ll be looking for a repeat effort on Sunday, as they chase a shot at the grand final, with one of their downfalls last time they played the Blue Boars a slow start.

“We were pretty slack in the first 10-15 minutes,” Archer said.

“One of their flankers was extremely good over the ball [too]. We’ll be looking to nullify his influence when we are on attack.”

He also noted the Blue Boars’ ability to link up in attack and get a few offloads away as something the Red Devils will look to shut down.