The Macleay Valley Mustangs diehard, who has worked incredibly hard behind the scenes this season, was the manager of the first grade side when they defeated the Wauchope Blues in the grand final in 2014.

Lockwood took on the managerial role for first grade and Under-18.5s this year and he also coached the reserve grade side.

The two sides have followed an eerily similar path to this Sunday's fixture.

In 2014 and this year, the Mustangs were the minor premiers and hosted Wauchope in the major semi-final.

On both occasions they suffered defeat, which resulted in Wauchope earning the right to host the decider.

In the same fashion to five years ago, Macleay Valley bounced back to secure victory in the preliminary final and they have booked a date again with Wauchope.

The Mustangs claimed a one-point extra-time victory in 2014 to claim the Group Three Rugby League premiership trophy.

"I am hoping for a repeat from 2014, there have already been a few indicators it will," Lockwood told the Argus.

"Ant Cowan slotted a field goal in extra-time to win it for us but he was eliminated from the finals last week with Port City."

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Lockwood has ran the bench for the first grade side all season, as Mustangs player-coach Russell Lardner has his hands full on the field.

Lockwood is also Lardner's right hand man and is able to see things Lardner can't while he's in the midst of battle.

"I pass on advice and things that I see throughout the game that are hard to spot when you're out there playing," Lockwood said.

Lockwood has been a loyal servant of the Mustangs for more than a decade and was relieved to see the club have success this year.

"It's in our culture to play rugby league," he said.

"Without footy, the town would be lost."

The Mustangs Under-18.5s and first grade side will compete on Group Three Rugby League grand final day this Sunday.

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