The toughest decision in Mitch Cullen’s illustrious playing career could deliver him the biggest prize in Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL).

A Kurri Kurri Bulldogs legend, he made the shock mid-season call to leave his beloved club and join rivals Maitland Pickers.

Now, he’s just one victory away from lifting the Denton Engineering Cup after the Matt Lantry-coached outfit saw off the South Newcastle Lions 24-22 in the grand final qualifier at the weekend.

“I’m over the moon,” Cullen said.

“The last time I played in a decider was 10 years ago… the Western Suburbs Rosellas beat us 21-8 in 2013.

“Kurri Kurri had George Ndaira as captain-coach and guys like Daniel Abraham, Jesse Royal and Nathan Ross in our ranks.

“So, there were a few older heads around me back then. I was just 20.

“To finally be in another grand final is extremely pleasing, especially when I’d ruled myself out for the whole season.

“I only had my ACL reconstruction in October, so I didn’t think I’d play and my surgeon said ‘no’ as well.

“However, I just worked on my rehab the best I could.

“And, here we are.”

His early recovery also played a role in Cullen opting to cut ties with the Bulldogs, who failed to win a match in 2023, even though he was mentoring Kurri Kurri’s under-19s.

The coalfields organisation’s loss ended up being Maitland’s gain.

“I’m 31 now, it just wasn’t for me being under the pump all the time at the Bulldogs,” he explained.

“I feel sorry for Kurri Kurri, I truly do… it’s been a big part of my life.

“But, the chance to link up with the Pickers was too strong.

“Matty (Lantry) rang, offered me an opportunity and I haven’t looked back.

“His interest spurred me on with my rehab, too.

“At first, it looked like I’d be out of action until next year, that’s another six or seven months.

“Plus, Matty tried to entice me over in 2020, however I knocked him back.

“You don’t usually get another chance in this sort of arena, especially with a club that’s been so successful for a number of seasons.

“So, I wasn’t going to pass it up [a second time].

“When Matty called, I toughed it out and got ready.

“I’d been running and doing a little bit… I wasn’t sitting on the lounge… but I wanted to give it a crack at the back end of this year.

“I hate missing games through injury, you feel like you’re letting someone down, yourself down.

“The kids kept asking ‘when you going to play, dad?’ as well.

“So, I just got it in my head and said now’s the time.

“I’d had a few chats with Chad (O’Donnell) and Alex (Langbridge) before Matty rang.

“However, the timing was right.

“You know, the Bulldogs have done a lot for me… and I’ve done a lot for them, too.

“It was just my time to move on; I needed a little bit more.”

The most difficult part was actually telling the Kurri Kurri faithful, which included Cullen’s father Brett.

“I’m not going to lie, it was hard,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“I’ve been there since I was six.

“But, as you get older, you see things differently.

“I wasn’t happy, we weren’t making the semis year-after-year… at 31, I just wanted to participate in the play-offs before I finished my career.

“Also, I wanted my kids to watch me play finals. Now, they’ll hopefully see me in a GF.

“Honestly, I was a bit nervous letting the old man know.

“He made me a Bulldogs junior.

“We used to live in Cessnock when I was a kid and he worked in Tomago.

“He’d drive from there, pick me up at home and take me to training at Kurri Kurri.

“So, I didn’t know how to tell dad.

“However, I was up front with him.

“He was my assistant at the Bulldogs, so he stayed there to soften the blow, I guess.

“But, I couldn’t be more grateful for him doing that and allowing me to make a move over here.”

The change appears long-term, with Cullen signing on with the Pickers for 2024, too.

“There was a little bit of chat with Cessnock, which didn’t eventuate,” he explained.

“I said to the young fella: ‘Who do you want me to play for?’

“And, he replied: ‘Maitland, they always smash you’.

“We live over this way anyway, we just bought a house at Lorn and the kids go to school nearby, so everything just aligned.

“I’m here again next season and loving my time at the moment.

“From day one, everyone’s made me feel welcome. I couldn’t be happier.”

Cullen admitted the Pickers’ focus automatically turned to the “big dance” at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday 2 September.

“I don’t think we’ll change much over the next week,” he said.

“We’ll train Tuesday, Thursday and probably Saturday.

“I’m sure Matty will have a plan, this is nothing new to the boys.

“For me, it’s dissimilar, although I played in a grand final qualifier in 2018.

“We fell short but I’m at a different club now and just buying into the culture.

“As a senior player, you listen to the coach and do your job… and everyone does their job, too.

“So, that makes it easier for me to play well.”

Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League

2023 play-offs:

Major semi-final

• Denton Engineering Cup: Maitland Pickers d South Newcastle Lions 24-22
• Reserve grade: Maitland Pickers d Western Suburbs Rosellas 12-8
• Under-19s: Lakes United Seagulls d Western Suburbs Rosellas 26-14

Minor semi-final

• Denton Engineering Cup: Cessnock Goannas d The Entrance Tigers 28-6
• Reserve grade: Cessnock Goannas d South Newcastle Lions 20-8
• Under-19s: Maitland Pickers d South Newcastle Lions 18-14

Finals week three

Saturday 26 August – Preliminary final

Kurri Kuri Sportsground, Kurri Kurri

• Under-19s: 10.45am – Western Suburbs Rosellas v Maitland Pickers
• Reserve grade: 12.15pm – Western Suburbs Rosellas v Cessnock Goannas
• Denton Engineering Cup: 2pm – South Newcastle Lions v Cessnock Goannas

For more sports stories:

• REAL NRL: Pickers secure GF berth, Tigers eliminated
• Mining industry celebrates Knights’ victory, job rises in Hunter
• A GOOD SPORT: Real NRL board deserves praise for successful year

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.