The Waratah Mayfield Cheetahs face a huge task to stop the Central Newcastle Butcher Birds’ juggernaut in the Newcastle Hunter Rugby League (NHRL) decider this weekend.
But, captain Rhi Rotumah remains confident her side can upset the undefeated ladies league tag A grade champions at the Lakeside Sporting Complex on Saturday 13 September.
That’s despite the rivals boasting an 11-0 win-loss record in 2025, after clinching the crown from the University Seahorses 18-0 just on 12 months ago.
“We might be the underdogs, however we’re really excited to go out there and show everyone what we can do,” Rotumah said.
“In our previous games against Central, I don’t think we’ve probably played our best.
“So, I really believe in my team to get the job done.”
Adding to Waratah Mayfield’s confidence was a narrow 16-12 result in the major semi-final a fortnight ago.
“Going down by just four, against them, definitely shows we can match it with them,” Rotumah told the Newcastle Weekly.
“However, full credit to the Butcher Birds, too.
“They’ve sort of set the standard for league tag over the past few seasons… they’ve been in the last four or five grand finals.
“But, I know from our training sessions, we’ve got the skills to counter them.
“So, hopefully, we’ll give them a good run.
“It’s important we focus on us and not them… do what we do best, stick to our structures and run our moves.
“We’ve got such a great group of girls where we really gel together.
“That’s the key to winning the match.”
No matter the outcome, 2025 has been a stellar year for the Cheetahs.
Apart from the main decider, Waratah Mayfield will also meet Aberglasslyn in B grade, while the organisation fielded a tackle side in the Women’s Community Plate, too.
“It would mean a lot to lift a trophy on Saturday,” Rotumah said.
“Both of the league tag teams progressed at the weekend, with 12-10 wins, so it’s really exciting for each of us to be in the grand final.
“It’s great for the club.
“This is my first season at the Cheetahs, and they’re an incredible group to be around, so I would love to win it for them.
“Of course, having my partner (Jarrad) as the coach makes it even more special.
“I want to win it for him, for my teammates and the club.
“I’m proud to be at Waratah Mayfield.”
As for Central, they’re keeping things simple, according to Anahera Biddle.
“Training’s been good this week… and everyone’s raring to go into the final game hard,” she said.
“Most of the squad was on deck last year, so we know what to expect.
“As the defending premiers, we’d love to go back-to-back.
“We’ve spoken about it, however we’re not taking the Cheetahs lightly either.
“They’ve tested us a few times this season.
“We need to work together as a team, communicate strongly and keep our defence up.
“We’ve done that over 14 rounds so far.
“It’s a matter of sticking to our processes and doing the little things well.
“If we do that, it will hold us in good stead.”
In the C grade fixture, Swansea and Raymond Terrace will go head-to-head.
NHRL GRAND FINAL PROGRAM
Saturday 13 September
Lakeside Sporting Complex, Raymond Terrace
Field 1
- 9.15am: Ladies League tag C grade – Swansea v Raymond Terrace
- 10.30am: Women’s Community Plate – Cessnock v Stockton
- 11.50am: Men’s C grade – Stockton v Karuah
- 1.45pm: Men’s B grade – Newcastle Uni v Shortland
- 3.30pm: Men’s A grade – Waratah Mayfield v Dudley
Field 2
- 9am: Ladies league tag B grade – Aberglasslyn v Waratah Mayfield
- 10.15am: Ladies league tag A grade – Central Newcastle v Waratah Mayfield
- 11.40am: Women’s Community Plate – Mallabula v Nelson Bay
- 1.10pm: Men’s D grade northern – Mallabula v Clarence Town
- 3pm: Men’s D grade southern – West Wallsend v Kearsley
For more sports stories:
- GALLERY… Best of the best to tackle 2025 NHRL grand finals
- GALLERY… Hawks shatter dynasty in huge NEWRL upset
- GALLERY… Pickers charge to fourth consecutive NEWRL crown
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