ALLORA'S own Greg Holmes once said the Queensland Reds could come last in every year and he would still never leave them.

The Reds' prop stuck by his word and will now walk on to the football field to contest the 2011 Super Rugby Premiership tonight.

It's the first time the Reds have made a finals appearance since the competition changed to its current structure.

Holmes' mother Maria said it was a culmination of years of hard work and steadfast loyalty to the Queensland side.

Maria and her husband Keith will head to Brisbane tonight to support their son from the sidelines when they go head to head with the Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium.

“We have only ever missed one game, that's when we were away,” she said.

“Being in this final, it's a great thing.”

She said she had a few jitters and would be watching anxiously.

Maria said despite a few tough years for the team, Holmes never considered absconding.

“He is a true Queenslander, he only wanted to play for them,” she said.

“You don't ever really give that up.”

She said she was impressed with the current team.

“You do get to know them over the years,” she said.

“There is a really strong feeling of mateship with this lot of young men.”

Maria said with either result there would be tears and of course extreme pride.

Warwick Reds' tragic Al Blyton will also watch the game with bated breath hoping the home side can get up over the New Zealanders.

“It has been a long way to the top,” he said.

“But hopefully now they are there, they will stay there.”

He said Holmes had a big part to play in the Red's much anticipated finals appearance.

“He had a big game last week,” Blyton said.

“And he has played really well when he has had the opportunity.”