They’ve been one of Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League’s (NEWRL) most successful clubs in recent seasons.
And, head coach Andrew “Bobcat” Ryan remains confident the South Newcastle Lions will remain a major force in all grades, again, in 2025.
Even though no team secured an actual title, the organisation’s four sides – Denton Engineering Cup, reserves, under-19s and women’s – each played finals football.
Ryan’s 2023 premiership runners up finished second on the ladder behind the Maitland Pickers after the “home and away” rounds.
However, Souths succumbed to The Entrance Tigers 28-10 in the minor semi.
It was a similar story for the “seconds” and juniors, too.
Both were knocked out by the Lakes United Seagulls (14-12) and Wyong Roos (16-14) respectively on the same day.
The girls progressed to the preliminary showdown, only to lose to eventual champions, the Pickers.
“From a club perspective, we had a really good year,” Ryan said.
“Unfortunately, we (firsts) fell off a cliff at the end of our campaign.
“We knew how good the other teams in the competition were… and things probably didn’t go as well as they should have in the last few games.
“That’s the nature of the NEWRL.
“I believe people, who haven’t been involved in it, come back here and think it’s going to be easy… but, it’s far from that.
“It is quite strong, the Denton Engineering Cup, with former NRL and Super League players in the fold.
“So, my boys know how hard they need to work.
“And, they’re aware of what the expectation is from us.
“But, overall, to have all four grades in the top three, and play a home semi, was a huge highlight for the Lions.
“Then the women’s tackle outfit continued for another week.
“So, I’d call that a successful season.”
Ryan admitted he was determined to keep the core squad together, even though outstanding hooker Mitch Black is one of the departures.
“We went to all of our grades about a month out, maybe five weeks, from the end of the competition and told them we wanted to retain everyone,” he said.
“I realise it’s not always possible.
“However, I don’t mind bringing in two or three blokes every year, from wherever, just to have some fresh blood in the place.
“Like everyone, we’re always on the hunt for middles and halves, to be honest, and quality ones at that.
“But, ideally, we’re a retention club.
“We are all about nurturing our juniors through the grades.
“We’ve shown that in the past few seasons, too.
“And, that will be the case again in 2025, from the under-17s right to the top.”
Ideally, we’re a retention club. We are all about nurturing our juniors through the grades.
Andrew Ryan
Ryan, who coached the NSW Blues U19s to State of Origin glory in 2024, is passionate about fostering the next generation of players.
So, don’t be surprised to see Souths unveil a talented youngster or two.
“There was plenty in our under-19 team; they had a really good year,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“Sadly, they copped some injuries towards the end, which hampered them.
“However, a lot of those boys have been involved in the club for a couple of seasons now.
“We’re looking to bring them through.
“We’ll probably field a reserve grade outfit that’s relatively young, we’re not expecting it to be littered with heaps of seniors.
“And, we’re more than happy to promote our juniors.
“In the long run, it benefits the players and club.”
After missing the NEWRL’s inaugural Magic Round in 2024, the Lions will tackle the Macquarie Scorpions, headed by new signings Jarrod Mullen and Luke Walsh, in the evening encounter at No. 1 Sportsground on Saturday 12 April.
“It’ll be good to be a part of the concept this time,” Ryan said.
“It was a bit strange sitting it out.
“In the meantime, we’re focusing on ourselves.
“We had a few sessions before Christmas… and then we’ll return holus-bolus in January.”
NEWRL Magic Round
Saturday 12 April
Newcastle No. 1 Sportsground
- Noon: Northern Hawks v Kurri Kurri Bulldogs
- 1.40pm: The Entrance Tigers v Central Newcastle Butcher Boys
- 3.20pm: Cessnock Goannas v Wyong Roos
- 5pm: Lakes United Seagulls v Western Suburbs Rosellas
- 6.40pm: South Newcastle Lions v Macquarie Scorpions
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