The last time Devils veteran Rhys Hanbury last played for his junior club, rookie back-rower Joseph Dickson was three years old and two years off first donning the red and blue.

It says something about the constant flow of talent through Parrish Park over the years that both local juniors have played a crucial role in getting the Devils to Sunday's grand final.

Dickson has been the competition's standout rookie this season, playing in all but one game, and admits he's had to pinch himself a number of times through the week.

"I didn't even know if I'd get a start in first grade this year," Dickson said.

"I just wanted to come down and do my best and I thought if I got to debut this year that's be awesome. To be going into a grand final is a bit surreal.

"At the start of preseason back in November Pete said if we worked hard opportunities would come. When I got that spot in round one I didn't want to lose it.

"I wanted to be there all year and I've been lucky enough to do that. To be now playing in a grand final is awesome."

Hanbury's journey back to Parrish Park has literally been a round-the-world one having played managed 21 NRL games and 204 appearances in the Super League in a stellar career.

He said he'd always hoped to bring that career full circle.

"It was always something I hoped I was going to do but after staying in England for so long I thought my chance had probably gone," Hanbury said.

"I contemplated retiring last year but then around December I started to miss footy again so I rang up Matty [Reh] and got the ball rolling.

"I spoke to Glenn Stewart a lot last year, he was trying to recruit me for this year and then he didn't end up playing, but I knew we'd have a good squad.

"I was hopeful Pete wanted me down here. He did and we've had a pretty good year, it's been fun."

He's been a more than handy pick-up for McLeod across multiple positions and, with the benefit of experience, feels his side is peaking at the right time.

"I think all season we've been playing within ourselves," he said.

"We probably didn't deserve to be in the top two given the way we coasted through parts of the season.

"Missing the top two was a bit of an eye-opener for most of the team but since that first final against Helensburgh I think the boys have really upped it and realised it's go time."