BONDING, as opposed to brilliance, is apparently the key to success in Australian rugby's newest tournament.

The two sides contesting this weekend's grand final are those with the strongest team cultures, according to Central Coast coach John McKee.

His Rays side is heavily favoured to win the inaugural title by defeating Melbourne Rebels at Bluetongue Stadium on Saturday, and McKee believes an emphasis on team spirit has brought them this far. "Maybe two of the best team cultures have come through to the final," McKee said. "We paid particular attention to that when the players came together."

A training camp in Terrigal before the season's kick-off helped the players bond quickly, and McKee has credited this for a late-season surge which helped them finish second and then produce a stunning second-half fightback to beat Perth in last week's semi-final.

Melbourne have talked all year about the mateship and camaraderie within the team - a natural consequence of a bunch of Queensland and NSW players thrown together in an unfamiliar city. "The fact we all live together, it's like a three-month rugby tour," coach Bill Millard said.