Western Suburbs captain Harry Kearsey is under no illusion about the monumental task his side faces in this weekend’s Newcastle Rugby League (NEWRL) under-19 decider.

South Newcastle, who may just be the best young team since the all-conquering 2016 Lakes United outfit, has amassed a staggering 592 points this season while conceding 152.

They’ve also dropped only a single game all year in a campaign defined by dominance.

But, Kearsey’s hoping all that changes at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday 21 September.

“Souths have been the best side, there is no doubt about that,” he said.

“We know what we are up against, but we are confident we can get the job done.”

Kearsey is aware of the challenge ahead, with the Lions bringing relentless energy and precision to the contest.

“Souths are a side full of energy,” he said.

“They are a very fit squad and they don’t make many errors.

“They completed 90% last time they played us… and they absolutely dominated us.”

WESTS EMBRACING THE UNDERDOG ROLE

The Rosellas, fresh off a confidence-boosting win over the Northern Hawks, are prepared to back their defence and embrace the underdog fight this Sunday.

“Last week against the Hawks was all about effort for us,” Kearsey said.

“Our goal-line defence was really good — I think, from memory, we held them up three times.

“Our focus defensively has been just around our effort and teamwork and staying connected, and holding the Hawks to no points is something we really prided ourselves on.”

Despite Souths’ status as heavy favourites, Kearsey is confident in the team coach Matt McClaren has assembled.

“Noah Sedo on the left edge for us has been outstanding,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“He’s a great hole runner but he can also ball-play a bit, so he’s been lethal.

“Our fullback Archie McIlwain has been electric, the way he cuts through holes out the back in shape.

“The halves — particularly with Rome Toovey — the way he puts up those high kicks, he’s been terrorising fullbacks.

“And, our seven, Kailhem Hunt, has been awesome. His passing game is unreal. And, Zeek Leti in the middle, his leg drive is phenomenal.”

The last time these two sides met was in Week 2 of the finals, when the Lions dismantled the Rosellas 40-8 in warm conditions at the Maitland Sportsground.

SOUTHS READY TO SEAL THE DEAL

Over at Merewether, the Lions have been sharpening their preparation following their dominant win over Wests.

They look primed to take the title on Sunday and add another chapter to the club’s storied history.

“I think the two-week break has definitely been a positive for us,” skipper Tye Wicks said.

“We’ve trained pretty hard during this time off.

“For some teams, the break can get the better of them, but we’ve trained well and stuck together, and now we are raring to go for Sunday.”

Asked about Souths’ success in attack, Wicks credits it to the side’s unity and small efforts that add up to a big impact.

“For us, it’s all the small stuff — our kick chase, staying alive and pushing up around the football,” he said.

“We are a really tight group and everyone is willing to follow through on the small efforts for each other.

“Our dynamic as a team is a huge key to our success.

“Making the transition into grade, everything has gone up to a whole new level.

“The physicality is the biggest thing but, ultimately, the speed of the game is a big step up for some of our guys who have come from 17s in the juniors.”

The Souths captain also praised mentor Tim Ryan for their incredible season.

“Having Timmy there is awesome,” Wicks said.

“He keeps us very fit and makes us work really hard… and he’s been a huge key to our success this season.”

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

The South Newcastle back-rower has his eyes set on a win on Sunday, but also on what lies ahead in his rugby league journey.

“I want to enjoy my footy and just see how far it can take me,” Wicks said.

“Hopefully, getting to play first grade at Souths one day would be massive.”

THE FINAL WORD

Souths enter the match as clear favourites, while the proud Rosellas embrace the rare tag of underdogs.

For one team, Sunday will be about living up to overwhelming expectations.

For the other, it’s about proving that heart, belief and unbreakable defence can topple even the most dominant of opponents.

When the whistle blows at McDonald Jones Stadium, history will be written — whether by a powerhouse completing its masterpiece, or by a team who dared to dream big enough to rewrite the ending.

NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE GRAND FINAL PROGRAM

Sunday 21 September

McDonald Jones Stadium

• 9.45am: Under-19s – South Newcastle v Western Suburbs
• 11.30am: Reserve grade – Maitland v Lakes United
• 1.30pm: Milleen Group Women’s Premiership – Northern Hawks v Maitland
• 3.30pm: Denton Engineering Cup – Maitland v Cessnock

For more sports stories:

• GALLERY… Lexi Beagan’s the heartbeat of the Hawks
• Underdog Simpson keen to repeat stunning NRLW debut effort for Knights
• GALLERY… Cessnock captures Community Cup in grand final for the ages

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.