The Newcastle Rebels are targeting their fourth successive Country Championship when they face arch-rivals Central Coast at Port Macquarie Regional Sports Stadium this weekend.

Saturday 28 March also features other finals across the junior representative and women’s divisions.

But, Newcastle and Central Coast fans will be left watching from afar following a previously agreed deal with NSWRL and the venue.

And, with fuel prices recently hitting record highs, the decision to stage the match in Port Macquarie raises eyebrows — particularly given the fixture would make far more sense at EDSAAC or Cessnock, where genuine local attendance could be maximised.

As it stands, very limited travelling support is expected from either side.

The fans of both teams miss out on this one as no doubt the Port Macquarie faithful is queuing up already to get their favourite vantage points, in what could have been an absolute tribal contest played anywhere on the Coast or Newcastle.

The Rebels, who have tasted success against Riverina Bulls (2023), Monaro Colts (2024) and Northern Rivers Titans (2025), will look to add another notch in the belt by downing the Coasties.

Central, on the other hand, is yet to register a Country Championships title since the inception of the new format.

Newcastle probably registered its least dynamic performance last week in a game where the match officials clearly lost control — particularly in the play-the-ball area, where Titans players were consistently loitering.

The Coast, meanwhile, has been consistent and gritty, led by the enigmatic Alex Langbridge, who is the form player of the competition.

The Pelicans were previously tested in each outing and have responded accordingly.

This is the most well-balanced side they have put together for some time and they are more than a legitimate chance to upset the Newcastle juggernaut.

NSWRL Country Rugby League Final

• WHO: Newcastle Rebels v Central Coast Pelicans
• WHERE: Port Macquarie Regional Sports Stadium ($300 in fuel at minimum)
• WHEN: Saturday 28 March (3pm)
• WATCH: Bar TV from 3pm

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH

REBELS

Luke Huth

The king of flat and fast through the middle. Likes to dictate pace and tempo with his marker engagement and is always a run threat out of dummy half. The Titans, with the help of the referee, made his life difficult last weekend — but I’m yet to see him put two slower performances back-to-back in over 10 seasons watching him at hooker. Would be a shoe-in for player of the match honours should the Rebels collect the silverware.

Ryan Glanville

The old stager is the reliable rock. Finesse of a halfback but the strength of a backrower. Smart, cunning and powerful. Angus Ernst may see plenty of the pill in good ball and have a mortgage on the long kicking game, but Glanville will be the man they turn to if they dig themselves into a hole. Can make a good dish with very few ingredients in the pantry.

Matt Soper-Lawler

The best aerial contestant of the football, a beautifully balanced runner, and has made the transition to leadership flawlessly under the tutelage of coach Garth Brennan. Soper-Lawler played the role of game-breaker in last year’s final at GIO Stadium and is ready to reprise that role at Port Macquarie on Saturday.

CENTRAL COAST

Alex Langbridge

If the Rebels have Huth, the Coast boys can play the Langbridge card. The best game-managing hooker in both regions and the ultimate leader to boot. Watch Langbridge get just outside the right upright in midfield and go on his trademark angled runs with a flat runner and a deeper runner, while retaining a run threat himself. His passing width out of 9 is second to none, and he carved up the Rams convincingly in Bathurst just two weeks ago. A true champion.

Harley Ridge

He ticks all the boxes. Devastating ball runner, aggressive defender — and he is also a ginger, and every good side needs at least one. He will be marking up on Matt Soper-Lawler, who he no doubt intends to give a hard day at the office. His defensive game is so effective due to his ability to stay in front with great footwork and timing. The battle out wide is worth the price of admission… if only the locals got to see it live.

Jake Woods

Big, powerful and mobile — exactly the type of forward you don’t want to play against. A body made of concrete and a head made of stainless steel. He has a competitive will and just keeps coming for the full 80 minutes. A real driver behind the Tigers’ success in the Denton Engineering Cup, he would be relishing the challenge in this one. His second-phase play is sensible and accurate. If you are to get on top of the Newcastle pack, Woods is the man to do it.

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