CESSNOCK GOANNAS
- Coach: Harry Siejka
- 2023 finish: 3rd
- Wins: 11
- Losses: 4
- Draws: 1
Summary: If there was ever a side to push for a title in 2023, it was Cessnock. The Goannas boasted a strong pack of forwards, a brilliant hooker in Luke Huth, crafty halves and some outstanding backs in the shape of Brayden Musgrove, Honeti Tuha and Tony Pellow. But, again, injuries curtailed captain-coach Harry Siejka’s outfit at the most inopportune times.
Despite that, the team still locked down third spot on the table, thanks to a fabulous start to the season (Cessnock was undefeated after eight rounds), and managed to inflict the only defeat on Maitland (20-12) in April. The Goannas also accounted for grand finalists South Newcastle (52-12) and Wyong (24-16). Sadly, by the beginning of the play-offs, a long campaign appeared to take its toll on the squad. Even though Cessnock eliminated The Entrance, it fell victim to the Lions a week later in the prelim final. Will be hard to beat again in 2024.
For more sports stories:
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