Dudley captain-coach Jeffrey Saarikko is promising to “hang up the boots” if the Magpies can steal the Newcastle Hunter Rugby League (NHRL) men’s A grade crown from the Waratah Mayfield Cheetahs this weekend.

The former Muswellbrook Ram has played in six grand finals throughout his career.

However, he’s yet to taste success at the big dance.

The tough lock hopes to break that drought against the defending premiers at the Lakeside Sporting Complex on Saturday 13 September.

“That’s the plan… win a comp, then I’m fully retired,” Saarikko said.

“I’ve never won one before, despite half a dozen chances.

“So, if I’m successful this weekend, I’m done.”

After dropping the major semi-final to the Cheetahs 28-10, Dudley bounced back in impressive fashion a week later.

The Magpies eliminated 2024 runners up Raymond Terrace 16-12 in the preliminary fixture to earn another shot at Waratah Mayfield.

“Obviously, I was really happy with that effort,” Saarikko said.

“And, we’ll take a lot of confidence out of it.

“I think, outside our four walls, no one backed us, especially mid-year.

“Now, we’re in the decider.

“So, we’ll just worry about our own stuff… and enjoy the moment.

“We’ve had some good battles with the Cheetahs, however it can be a bit hard in this competition with players in and out all the time.

“We have missed several guys in our previous meetings.

“But, we know it’ll still be a hard battle.

“They’re the premiers from last year, only lost one game this season, so they’re the benchmark.”

Saarikko admitted Dudley needed to be “switched on” from the kick-off.

“Starting strong is vital,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“We played them here [Raymond Terrace] a fortnight ago and gave them an early leg-up, with a few cheap penalties in that first 20 minutes.

“They then got a roll on.

“So, we can’t afford to do that again.

“We’ve got a lot of young fellas in the side; however, they should be a bit more settled second time around.

“All I know, there’s a great buzz around the place.

“So, Saturday is massive for the community.

“I believe it’s been about 20 years since the Magpies played in an A grade grand final and won.

“After the final siren went last Saturday, the excitement has really lifted.

“I must take my hat off to the committee and everyone behind the scenes at the club; they’re sensational.

“Dudley won a B grade comp in 2017, so it’s been a while between drinks.

“Winning a premiership this year would not only be a sweet send-off for myself but put the Magpies in a healthy position moving forward.”

Standing in Dudley’s way, however, is the immovable force that’s Waratah Mayfield.

Following a stellar 2025, dropping a solitary match, the Cheetahs are primed to retain the title they fought so gallantly for last season.

“We’re ready,” centre, and president, Jackson Myers said.

“We gained a lot of self-belief from the major semi.

“And, even though we’ve lost a couple of players since then, we’re lucky we boast a really strong squad.

“We’re aware it’s going to be a real test against the Magpies.

“They’re a really fit side; they’ve got speed out wide and definitely size in the middle.

“Dudley’s star back-rower Ryan Millgate missed last weekend, so he’s a big inclusion for them.

“But, I think our depth [this year] holds us in good stead, too.

“Plus, playing smart for the entire game is key.

“You’ve always got to compete for 80 minutes as we showed in 2024.

“If you drop your intensity at any stage, it opens the door for your opponents to hit back.”

Myers acknowledged the mood throughout the Waratah Mayfield ranks was buoyant, as was the club’s future.

“It’s really exciting that we have the opportunity to defend our premiership,” he said.

“On top of that, we’ve also got the two ladies league tag teams playing.

“That’s three Cheetahs’ sides taking the field on grand final day.

“I believe it’s lifted everyone here and the community as well.

“At last count, I think there’s 11 juniors in our squad, which is huge.

“To have them, all in their early 20s, involved in this team bodes well for the club.

“Hopefully, they’ll stay around for the next couple of years.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle Uni and Shortland are vying for the B grade honours, while Stockton and the Karuah Roos will lock horns for the C grade title.

In D grade, the northern showdown features Mallabula and Clarence Town, with West Wallsend and Kearsley vying for glory in the southern conference.

Organisers are expecting more than 12,000 people to attend the event, which boasts 10 encounters.

Gates open from 8am.

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:

• NRL legend Wayne Pearce kits up for Sleapy’s Foundation fundraiser
• GALLERY… Stage set for Mallabula Panthers to shine in Women’s Community Plate decider
• Cheetahs determined to stop Butcher Birds’ league tag juggernaut

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