City big man Sia Nemani is having a cracking 2020 at Pride Park

But if you're a big man coming up against Emus' big pack, there's only really two words you need - muscle-up.

The rugby league convert can be forgiven for using scrum-time in the 13-man code to suck in the big ones and as a result has never really fought for possession like the union scrums, but after nine rounds and a tense semi-final, Namani is now fully across the importance of the set piece ahead of Saturday's Blowes Clothing Cup grand final.

And not only does the big fella want to help the Lions get it over Emus' scrum as a whole, he wants to get it over his opposite number.

"This week the scrum is important," Nemani said.

"I want to take on their Shute Shield guy."

The mentioned man is Emus' Sydney recruit Archie Hall who's been a tower of strength for the ladder leaders throughout the season.

He wasn't sure what to expect coming into the winter but if there's one thing Nemani has realised about the 15-man game, it's that it's difficult.

"It's good to learn something new but it's technical," he said.

"I thought this squad we have here would make the top four but I didn't think we'd make the final."

Nemani will join the likes of Josh Tremain and prop Keith Lawson in City's big to take down Emus' scrum.