It's been a remarkable turnaround for the Macleay Valley Mustangs and it's been built on the back of sacrifices, dedication and a lot of hard work.

Before a ball was kicked this season, the Mustangs had already gone above expectations.

There were grave fears for the future of the club and rumours were circulating the Mustangs would be forced to sit out the 2019 season.

Now, the Mustangs have already wrapped up the minor premiership and they will contest for a major premiership in the Under-18.5s and first grade competitions on Group Three Rugby League grand final day this Sunday.

Mustangs coach Russell Lardner was the driving force behind the rebuild and ultimately, the club's success.

Read more: How the Mustangs avoided disbandment, changed their culture and built a premiership contender

Lardner spent months recruiting some of Kempsey's most talented rugby league players, who were plying their trade for rival clubs, and assembled a quality side of homegrown talent.

"All that hard work is finally going to pay off this Sunday," Lardner told the Argus.

"We have had our ups and downs but we have made it to the grand final and that's a terrific achievement for such a young side."

The Mustangs have experienced heads in Lardner, captain Richie Roberts, Adam McMurray, Chris Piper and David Davis but the majority of the squad are in their early 20s or younger.

"Everyone is ready for it, the older fellas have told the younger guys that opportunities like this don't come around very often and it will be a special victory for everyone if we can get it done," Lardner said.

"We just have to go out there and do what we have been doing all year and stick to the game plan.

"The last few times we played against them, we have panicked but this time there's no distractions."

Lardner, who wears his heart on his sleeve every time he steps on the field to play for his beloved Mustangs, claims a premiership would mean "everything" to him.

"It's something that the whole team, the club and the community will never forget," he said.

"When you think about how far this team has come in the past 12 months, it makes me a little lost for words, because it's been a long and successful journey that has taken endless hours of work."

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Before the first grade step onto the field, the Mustangs' Under-18.5s coach Reuben Jones is hopeful the club will already have a trophy to add to the cabinet due to a win over the Old Bar Pirates.

Jones believes his minor premiership winning side will need to step up in the forward pack to be in contention for victory.

"We need to have a bit more of a team performance and not rely too much on our big name players to produce something special," Jones said.

"The forwards need to be up for the challenge and match it with their big guys. They are pretty strong through the middle.

"If we can weather the storm then I am sure our outside backs will be able to do some damage."

The Mustangs Under-18.5s advanced through to the decider on the back of a magical final minute try from Harold Thompson and a pressure conversion from captain Kaine Parkinson, who will also take the field in first grade.

The Mustangs Under-18.5s kick off at 11.45 while Macleay Valley first grade take on the Blues at 3pm.

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