The result was a stunning turn-around in form and confidence for the resilient Scorpions who, a week earlier, had been humbled 35-8 by minor premiers Western Suburbs in the major semi-final.

Questions were being asked about the Toronto-based team’s ability to cope with the combined effects of a growing injury toll and the ease of Wests’ win.

Did Macquarie have what it takes to knock on the door for a third consecutive first grade grand final?

The ruthless way Macquarie piled on the points against Central on Sunday suggests they weren’t merely content to knock on the door: they kicked it in.

Sunday’s win books Macquarie a showdown with Wests in the grand final at McDonald Jones Stadium this Saturday.

Sunday’s final against Central was expected to be a close encounter, but Macquarie led 20-nil at halftime and went right on with it in the second half.

Coach Adam Bettridge said he was rapt with how his squad responded after the loss to Wests.

“We regrouped at training and every player knew what we had to do, and they executed perfectly,” Bettridge said.

“We scored some wonderful tries against Central.

“When you win 60-nil it is difficult to single out any player for special mention, but it is great to see that Daniel Abraham will be finishing his wonderful career at McDonald Jones Stadium in a grand final.”

Bettridge said the grand final would feature the two best teams in the competition.

“The players and I are confident we can come away with the win,” he said.

Winning the grand final would cap off a great season for the club who won the NSW Challenge Cup and the Mudgee Nines tournaments earlier in the year.

“We have had our fair share of injuries during the year but everyone who has come into the side has stepped up and performed at the higher level,” Bettridge said.

“I just hope all our supporters can get to the grand final this Saturday as it would be great to see a big crowd of Scorpions’ supporters there to lift the boys.”