Lakes United will be hoping for a reversal of fortune when it takes on last year’s premiers, Maitland, in a replay of the 2024 grand final, which saw the Pickers steal victory in the final moments.

The Seagulls may draw inspiration from their 2015 triumph, almost 10 years to the day, when now reserve grade coach Kris Sheppard steered the side from halfback.

That team also featured current Gold Coast Titans hooker Chris Randall and current Lakes forward Blake Smith, who will again take his place in the line-up at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday 21 September.

On that day in 2015, the Seagulls were rank outsiders against a star-studded Rosellas outfit.

But, they famously held off a fast-finishing Wests in what many still recall as the boilover of grand final day.

This weekend, Lakes will once again embrace the underdog tag on the NEWRL’s biggest stage.

It’s a clash of tradition and ambition, with two clubs representing proud regions and fiercely loyal fan bases.

RECENT BATTLES

The Pickers have had the upper hand in their previous meetings this year — and in dominant fashion.

• Round 8 (7 June): Maitland stormed into Cahill Oval and made a statement with a 36-10 victory, showing their attacking class and defensive grit
• Finals Week 2 (6 September): With everything on the line, the story stayed the same. Maitland produced another 36-10 masterclass, booking their spot in the decider while sending Lakes back to regroup

Two identical scorelines have built a clear narrative heading into Sunday: Maitland is the benchmark.

However, finals footy has a way of tearing up scripts, and the Seagulls will be desperate to flip the story when it matters most.

THE KEY PLAYERS

Maitland Pickers

For Maitland, this is about cementing a dynasty. Their Denton Engineering Cup dominance has been well-documented, but its reserve grade side has quietly been just as ruthless, blending youth and experience into a squad built for big moments.

• Jye Bieman-King – The goal-kicking sensation played a strong role in Maitland’s Denton Engineering Cup campaign. He brings creativity and experience to the Pickers backline
• Jayden Wright – Always prepared to back himself and run the football. An on-ball No. 7 who seems to be everywhere at once. Will want the ball when the game is on the line
• Jarrod Smith – Mr. Reliable. Delivers an 8/10 performance every week and anchors the middle on both sides of the ball. A true leader
• Junior Tuavati – A powerful, edge-running backrower and an effective defender, even against bigger bodies in single contact
• Justin Norris – Breakthrough year. Stepped up in first grade when needed and boasts a relentless work rate
• Blake Martin – Still learning his craft but has shown flashes of brilliance. His best football is still ahead of him

Lakes United Seagulls

For Lakes United, this game is about redemption and pride. Twice this season, they’ve been humbled by Maitland. Twice, they’ve walked off knowing they weren’t quite there.

This is their last chance to change that narrative.

• Wil Botham – A freakish talent at fullback. Light in frame but heavy on skill and impact
• Chuck Hennessy – One of the squad’s most confident players. Brings a rockstar attitude and matches it with rockstar effort
• Tom Dixon – Smart, patient, and poised halfback who shuns the spotlight but thrives in big moments
• Hayden Cowled – A throwback to the tough props of the 1980s. Looks like a debt collector and hits like one too. Adds serious starch to the pack
• Tom Swain – Elite defensive technique and smart in attack. Among the club’s hardest workers and most reliable contributors
• Blake Smith – Outstanding in the preliminary final. A long, rangy forward with experience and a knack for delivering when it matters most

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Maitland: Precision and power. Their attack flows through slick ball movement and well-drilled structures. If they build early momentum, they’ve proven almost impossible to stop. Expect a sea of black “grand final” shirts as the Pickers’ faithful arrive early to cheer on the first of three Maitland sides playing on the day
• Lakes: Resilience and belief. They’ll need to stay patient, dominate the middle, and turn the game into a grind. If they can drag Maitland into a scrappy contest, they have the toughness to cause an upset. Look for Lakes manager John Prince on the sideline riding a spin bike, surrounded by supporters sporting vintage Seagulls jerseys — the older, the better
• Referee: Joey Butler takes charge. Known for policing the game firmly rather than influencing the result, both coaches will be pleased to see him with the whistle

THE FINAL WORD

Grand finals are about more than past results — they’re about seizing a moment. About creating memories and names that echo long after the final whistle.

Maitland may have history and momentum on their side, but Lakes United will throw everything at them to ensure that history isn’t written without their say.

Come Sunday morning, there will be no excuses, no second chances — just 80 minutes to decide who walks away with glory.

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:

• Holden sisters revved up to shine for Pickers on grand final day
• NEWRL’s talented youngsters eye off under-19 crown
• GALLERY… Lexi Beagan’s the heartbeat of the Hawks

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