Wikipedia

Newcastle Rugby League

The Newcastle Rugby League is a local rugby league football competition in Newcastle, Australia. It is one of the oldest rugby league competitions in Australia, founded in 1910. A Newcastle representative team was also assembled from players in the League during most of the 20th century. The first grade competition also comprises the NSWRL Presidents Cup Northern Conference.

Newcastle Rugby League
SportRugby league
Instituted1910
Inaugural season1910
Number of teams11
Country Australia
Premiers Maitland (2024 Newcastle Rugby League Season)
Most titles West Newcastle (23 titles)
WebsiteNewcastle RL on facebook
Broadcast partnerBar TV Sports (Australia)
Related competitionPresidents Cup Conferences:
*Peter McDonald Premiership (West)
*Ron Massey Cup (Central)
*Mojo Homes Illawarra Cup (South)

History

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The original franchise from Newcastle competed in the inaugural Sydney Rugby League premiership of 1908 but withdrew after the 1909 season to form the local competition under the banner of the Northern Branch of the NSWRL.

The four original teams were Central Newcastle (Blue & White), North Newcastle (Light & Dark Blue vertical stripes), South Newcastle (Red & White) and West Newcastle (Red & Green).[1] The season kicked off 14 May 1910 with South playing West and Central playing Northern Suburbs. South Newcastle finished the season on top of the ladder; the final was played in front of 2500 spectators at Hamilton League Ground, with Central overcoming South 13–4.

The 1911 season saw the previous minor premiers South slump to the bottom of the ladder. The final was played in front of 4000 spectators and saw North victorious over Central 10–2. 1911 saw the Combined Newcastle & Hunter team Tour Queensland, defeating the Queensland State team in all matches played. Newcastle played against the touring New Zealand team in a tight match almost pulling off an upset before going down 21–20.

The 1912 season saw the addition of East Newcastle, playing in Black and White. They were immediately competitive and made the grand final.

The First World War saw a halt to the competition for 1917 and 1918. Although the Newcastle Morning Herald did continue to publish results for competition games for those two years.[2] The NSW Football League sacked most of the local officials following an early game of the 1917 season in which the Western Suburbs Club played a disqualified player. The competition was thrown into turmoil and the season was abandoned. The 1918 season was also abandoned because the officials were still serving their suspensions and the player shortage had worsened.

1919 saw a split, with two smaller competitions held – the "Lilywhites" or clubs faithful to the NSWRL, composed of Eastern Suburbs and Northern Suburbs, and the "Bolsheviks" or rebels composed of South, Central, North and West.

1920 saw the competition reunited when the Newcastle Rugby League (NRL) was officially formed and expanded to six teams as Kurri Kurri competed for the first time. The Newcastle Sports Ground (No1) was officially opened 16 September 1922 on land donated by the Australian Agricultural Company. The opening was marked between Western Suburbs (Sydney) and a Newcastle representative side, with Newcastle winning 20–16. The first game under lights was played at the Newcastle Coursing and Sporting Club (later the Newcastle Greyhound track) at Hamilton South in 1928.

The 1930s saw the emergence of the Coalfields teams (such as Cessnock Goannas in 1930). Football games were first broadcast on the radio in this decade, but only after considerable debate by Newcastle Rugby League. The record score was established in this decade on 27 July 1939, when Northern Suburbs defeated Morpeth-East Maitland 127–16. North winger Alf Fairhall scored 11 tries and kicked 14 goals, with the game called off 20 minutes early.

The Country Rugby League (CRL) formed in 1934 and became the governing body for the sport of rugby league in areas of New South Wales outside the Sydney metropolitan area, such as Newcastle.

In the mid 1950s,the major football clubs were opening large licensed Social Clubs. Bar and poker machine revenue from these clubs provided a new source of cash to fund and develop the game. Also in this era, the 'six-yard rule' was introduced to keep both the attacking and defending teams from being within three yards of the play the ball.

Prior to 1960, if the minor premiers were defeated in the playoffs, they then had the right to challenge the winner of the final to a grand final match. The Second Division competition started in 1960 with nine teams, growing to 23 for the 1961 season. Macquarie also entered the league in 1960. In 1962, the local Television station (NBN 3) began transmitting to Newcastle audiences.

From 1963 to 1965, the Newcastle representative team won 15 consecutive matches, including wins in three Country Championships and wins against South Africa and France, and the famous victories in the State Cup. This Cup, in which Sydney teams played NSW Country Divisional teams in a knockout competition, was launched in 1964 by the NSWRL. Newcastle defeated South Sydney, North Sydney, the all-conquering St George and Parramatta to win the Cup. This side featured names such as Terry Pannowitz, Allan Buman, and Dave Brown (captain).

In 1968, the Central Newcastle club relocated from the inner-city to Charlestown and became Central-Charlestown, popularly known as 'The Butcher Boys'.

During the 1970s, the ten District clubs engaged in an impressive line-up of high profile Captain/Coaches. Great Britain international Terry Clawson (South Newcastle), immortal and Australian international Johnny Raper (Western Suburbs), Australian international Brian 'Chicka' Moore (Macquarie) and Australian international Alan Thomson (Lakes United), to name a few. In 1971, the 'six tackle rule' was introduced. In 1978, foundation club Northern Suburbs became North Newcastle after it enlarged its district to include Raymond Terrace and Nelson Bay.

In 1988, the league changed majorly with the introduction of the Newcastle Knights into the NSWRL competition, the first representation of the Newcastle and Hunter region since the Newcastle Rebels departed after the 1909 season.

As a result, the 1990s saw the Newcastle Knights attract the lion's share of the spectators in Newcastle and support for local clubs suffered. This downturn was offset to a certain extent when former Knights players began to filter into the local competition. The drift of players boosted the profile of the local league, which was no more evident than when Steve Linnane led Kurri to a trifecta of premierships in 1993, 1994 and 1995.

The 2000s saw the league implement a 'salary cap' and a 'points system' for players signing with a 'new' club. This innovation was designed to control spending and to keep clubs alive and well. A joint venture launched in 2009 by the Knights and the Newcastle Rugby League was labelled 'the Player Placement Program', designed to allow Knights players not required by their club on a weekend, to play in the local competition.

2020 saw the competition cancelled for the first time in over one hundred years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With restrictions easing, a decision was made to implement a two tiered amateur competition. First Grade would feature Lakes United, Western Suburbs, Cessnock, Maitland, Central and Souths. Reserve Grade would see representation from Western Suburbs, Lakes United, Cessnock, Maitland, Central, Souths and Kurri Kurri. Of further note, Maitland also elected to participate in the Presidents Cup, spreading their resources across the two Newcastle competitions as well as the New South Wales based Presidents Cup, which they won. Cessnock defeated South Newcastle in the First Grade Grand Final.[3]

The 2021 season featured the regular clubs, as well as both Wyong and The Entrance, forming a 10 team, 18 round competition. The Entrance will contest the competition for the first time in their history. As well as this, the Major Premiers also now advance to meet title winners from Illawarra, Ron Massey Cup and a wildcard in a conference style President's Cup at the end of the year.[4] Unfortunately, the competition was interrupted by COVID-19 restrictions placed on the Hunter region, with a decision made to cancel the competition prior to any finals being played. Maitland Pickers had secured the Minor Premiership, but there would be no Major Premiers for season 2021. No President's Cup tournament was contested.[5]

Season 2022 saw the Maitland Pickers claim the minor premiership with 31 competition points, with Central Newcastle (29), Macquarie Scorpions (22), Cessnock Goannas (22) and South Newcastle (22) rounding out the top five. On 11 September 2022, Maitland Pickers claimed their 13th premiership with a 40–4 victory over Macquarie Scorpions at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.[6] On 25 September 2022, Maitland defended their Presidents Cup crown with a 36–12 win over The Hills Bulls.[7] 2022 NSWRL Presidents Cup.

Season 2023 included The Northern Hawks, bumping the number of teams in the league to 11.[8] All teams will compete in the overarching 2023 NSWRL Presidents Cup. 2023 saw the modern-day version of the Newcastle Rebels, a team constructed of the best talent from the Newcastle Rugby League, return to the Men's Country Championships.[9] Maitland Pickers won the Premiership to secure back to back titles, defeating South Newcastle Lions 46-10.[10]

2024 Newcastle Rugby League Season saw Maitland Pickers defeat Central Newcastle in the First Grade Grand Final, 24-4.[11] Central Newcastle appeared in their first Grand Final since 1963, breaking a 49-year drought. The inaugural Women's Premiership was also contested in 2024, with Maitland Pickers Women's team claiming the title.[12]

Current clubs

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  •   Central Charlestown
    • (formerly Charlestown & Central Newcastle – moved to Charlestown in the early 1960s)[13]
    • Nickname: Butcher Boys
    • Home Ground: St John Oval, Charlestown (played at Passmore Oval, Wickham in 2008; Central Newcastle played at Learmonth Park, Hamilton, before merging with Charlestown)
    • Joined competition: 1910
    • Premierships: 1910 1921 1928 1930 1937 1939 1949 (7)
  •   Cessnock[14]
    • Nickname: Goannas
    • Home Ground: Cessnock Sportsground, Cessnock (formerly Old Cessnock Sportsground, where Big W currently stands, prior 2004)
    • Joined competition: 1930
    • Premierships: 1941 1950 1954 1955 1960 1972 1977 2003 2020* (9)
  •   Kurri Kurri
    • Nickname: Bulldogs
    • Home Ground: Kurri Sportsground "The Graveyard", Kurri Kurri
    • Joined competition: 1920 (club formed in 1911)
    • Premierships: 1931 1940 1945 1993 1994 1995 (6)
  •   Lakes United
    • Nickname: Seagulls
    • Home Ground: Cahill Oval, Belmont
    • Joined competition: 1947
    • Premierships: 1947 1974 1975 1985 1986 1987 1996 2001 2006 2007 2015 (11)
  •   Macquarie
    • (formerly Macquarie United and Toronto Workers)
    • Nickname: Scorpions
    • Home Ground: Lyall Peacock Field, Toronto
    • Joined competition: 1960
    • Premierships: 1991 2017 (2)
  •   Maitland
    • (originally Maitland United – merged with Morpeth-East Maitland in 1942)
    • Nickname: Pickers (formerly Pumpkin Pickers)
    • Homeground: Maitland Sportsground, Maitland (formerly Coronation Oval, Telarah for 2 years while Maitland Sportsground was rebuilt)
    • Years in competition: 1925–2003; 2005–2007; 2009–
    • Premierships: 1933 1934 1956 1957 1958 1965 1969 1971 1973 1983 2010 2011 2022 2023 2024 (15)
  •   Northern Hawks
    • Successor to Northern Suburbs, original Northern & Port Stephens
    • Nickname: Hawks
    • Home Ground: Tomaree Sporting Complex, Nelson Bay
    • Years in competition: 2021–
    • Premierships: (Reserves 2022)
  •   South Newcastle[15]
    • Nickname: Lions
    • Home Ground: Townson Oval, Merewether
    • Joined competition: 1910
    • Premierships: 1927 1943 1946 1963 1964 1968 1976 1988 1989 2016 2018 (11)
  •   West Newcastle
    • Nickname: Rosellas or the Maggots
    • Home Ground: Harker Oval, New Lambton
    • Joined competition: 1910
    • Premierships: 1912 1915 1916 1922 1961 1966 1970 1978 1980 1981 1982 1984 1992 1997 1998 1999 2002 2004 2008 2012 2013 2014 2019 (23)
  •   Wyong
    • Nickname: Roos (mascot is a Kangaroo)
    • Home Ground: Morrie Breen Oval, Wyong
    • Years in competition: 2003–2012 & 2020–present
    • Premierships: 2009 (1)
  •   The Entrance
    • Nickname: Tigers
    • Home Ground: EDSACC Oval, Bateau Bay
    • Years in competition: 2021–onward
    • Premierships: 0

Former clubs

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  •   East Newcastle
    • Nickname: Unknown
    • Home Ground: Newcastle No. 1 Sportsground, Newcastle West (also played at Wickham Oval, Wickham & Lynn Oval, Stockton)
    • Years in competition: 1912–1942
    • Premierships: 1913 1923 1924 1932 (4)
  •   Northern
    • (also North-Nelson Bay Marlins, Northern Blues and Nelson Bay Blues); successor to Northern Suburbs
    • Nickname: Blues (mascot is a Marlin)
    • Home Ground: Tomaree Sporting Complex, Nelson Bay
    • Years in competition: 1989–2011
    • Premierships: 2005 (1)
  •   North Newcastle
    • Nickname: Bluebags
    • Homeground: Passmore Oval, Wickham
    • Years in competition: 1910–1988 (re-located to Nelson Bay as North-Nelson Bay) (now play in Newcastle & Hunter Rugby League)
    • Premierships: 1911 1914 1920 1925 1926 1929 1935 1938 1948 1951 1953 1959 1962 1967 1979 (15)
  •   Port Stephens
    • Successor to Northern
    • Nickname: Sharks
    • Home Ground: Tomaree Sporting Complex, Nelson Bay and Lakeside Oval, Raymond Terrace
    • Years in competition: 2012–2014
    • Premierships:
  •   Waratah Mayfield
    • Nickname: Cheetahs
    • Home Ground: Waratah Oval, Waratah
    • Years in competition: 1927–2001; 2003–2004 (now play in Newcastle & Hunter Rugby League)
    • Premierships: 1936 1942 1944 1952 1990 2000 (6)
  •   Raymond Terrace
    • Nickname: Magpies
    • Home Ground: Lakeside Oval, Raymond Terrace
    • Years in competition: 2001–2008 (now play in Newcastle & Hunter Rugby League)
    • Premierships: nil
  • 1919 featured a combined Rebel team (South Newcastle/Central Newcastle) who won the competition.

Premiers

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Past winners of the Newcastle Rugby League First Grade Premiership

Season Grand Final Information Minor Premiers
Premiers Score Runners-Up
1910   Central Newcastle 13–4   South Newcastle   South Newcastle
1911   North Newcastle 10–2   Central Newcastle   North Newcastle
1912   West Newcastle 10–7   East Newcastle   West Newcastle
1913   East Newcastle 18–0   West Newcastle   East Newcastle
1914   North Newcastle 5–2   Central Newcastle   North Newcastle
1915   West Newcastle 16–8   North Newcastle   West Newcastle
1916   West Newcastle 10–8   North Newcastle   North Newcastle
1917 no competition
1918 no competition
1919   South Newcastle   Central Newcastle (Combined Rebel Side) 7–2   West Newcastle
1920   North Newcastle   South Newcastle
1921   Central Newcastle   West Newcastle
1922   West Newcastle   Central Newcastle
1923   East Newcastle   North Newcastle
1924   East Newcastle   North Newcastle
1925   North Newcastle   East Newcastle
1926   North Newcastle   South Newcastle
1927   South Newcastle   North Newcastle
1928   Central Newcastle   North Newcastle
1929   North Newcastle   Waratah-Mayfield
1930   Central Newcastle   South Newcastle
1931   Kurri Kurri   North Newcastle
1932   East Newcastle   Cessnock
1933   Maitland United 20–0   Waratah-Mayfield
1934   Maitland United 4–2   Waratah-Mayfield
1935   North Newcastle   Central Newcastle
1936   Waratah-Mayfield   Cessnock
1937   Central Newcastle   Cessnock
1938   North Newcastle   Waratah-Mayfield
1939   Central Newcastle   West Newcastle
1940   Kurri Kurri   Cessnock
1941   Cessnock 18–3[16]   South Newcastle
1942   Waratah-Mayfield   South Newcastle
1943   South Newcastle   Waratah-Mayfield
1944   Waratah-Mayfield   West Newcastle
1945   Kurri Kurri   South Newcastle
1946   South Newcastle 11–3   West Newcastle
1947   Lakes United   North Newcastle
1948   North Newcastle 5–4   Kurri Kurri
1949   Central Newcastle 28–15   Kurri Kurri
1950   Cessnock 19–12[16]   Central Newcastle
1951   North Newcastle 12–8   Maitland   North Newcastle
1952   Waratah-Mayfield 5–4   Lakes United   Waratah-Mayfield
1953   North Newcastle 16–11   Cessnock
1954   Cessnock 15–3[16]   Maitland   Cessnock
1955   Cessnock 9–7[16]   Maitland   Cessnock
1956   Maitland 16–9   Cessnock   Maitland
1957   Maitland 17–12   Kurri Kurri   Maitland
1958   Maitland 22–7   Cessnock   Maitland
1959   North Newcastle 13–12   Maitland   North Newcastle
1960   Cessnock 33–5[16]   Maitland   Cessnock
1961   West Newcastle 10–9   Waratah-Mayfield   West Newcastle
1962   North Newcastle 18–6   South Newcastle   North Newcastle
1963   South Newcastle 12–7   Central Newcastle   South Newcastle
1964   South Newcastle 17–12   West Newcastle   West Newcastle
1965   Maitland 22–3   South Newcastle   South Newcastle
1966   West Newcastle 31–9   Cessnock   West Newcastle
1967   North Newcastle 13–11   West Newcastle   West Newcastle
1968   South Newcastle 9–6   Lakes United   West Newcastle   Lakes United (tied)
1969   Maitland 19–9   Lakes United   Maitland
1970   West Newcastle 21–14   Maitland   Maitland
1971   Maitland 30–19   Lakes United   Maitland
1972   Cessnock 18–10[16]   Maitland   Maitland
1973   Maitland 27–18   West Newcastle   West Newcastle
1974   Lakes United 7–2   West Newcastle   West Newcastle
1975   Lakes United 30–17   West Newcastle   Maitland
1976   South Newcastle 22–15   West Newcastle   Lakes United
1977   Cessnock 21–17[16]   Maitland   Cessnock
1978   West Newcastle 23–16   South Newcastle   West Newcastle
1979   North Newcastle 20–8   Cessnock   North Newcastle
1980   West Newcastle 17–13   Cessnock   Kurri Kurri
1981   West Newcastle 13–2   Cessnock   West Newcastle
1982   West Newcastle 21–14   Kurri Kurri   West Newcastle
1983   Maitland 20–12   Cessnock   Maitland
1984   West Newcastle 10–2   Lakes United   Lakes United
1985   Lakes United 12–6   Cessnock   Cessnock
1986   Lakes United 4–0   South Newcastle   Lakes United
1987   Lakes United 24–16   South Newcastle   South Newcastle
1988   South Newcastle 29–18   Lakes United   South Newcastle
1989   South Newcastle 20–12   West Newcastle   South Newcastle
1990   Waratah-Mayfield 17–14   Lakes United   Lakes United
1991   Toronto Workers 21–10   West Newcastle   South Newcastle
1992   West Newcastle 33–0   Lakes United   West Newcastle
1993   Kurri Kurri 20–18   West Newcastle   West Newcastle
1994   Kurri Kurri 20–16   Toronto Workers   West Newcastle
1995   Kurri Kurri 24–4   West Newcastle   West Newcastle
1996   Lakes United 16–6   West Newcastle   West Newcastle
1997   West Newcastle 26–16   Lakes United   Lakes United
1998   West Newcastle 51–14   South Newcastle   West Newcastle
1999   West Newcastle 22–18   Cessnock   West Newcastle
2000   Waratah-Mayfield 20–14   Lakes United   Waratah-Mayfield
2001   Lakes United 18–10   West Newcastle   Lakes United
2002   West Newcastle 27–16   Lakes United   Lakes United
2003   Cessnock 22–20[16]   Raymond Terrace   West Newcastle
2004   West Newcastle 32–28   Northern Blues   West Newcastle
2005   Northern Blues 30–12   West Newcastle   West Newcastle
2006   Lakes United 40–24   Nelson Bay   Lakes United
2007   Lakes United 32–12   Wyong   Lakes United
2008   West Newcastle 12–10   Cessnock   West Newcastle
2009   Wyong 36–4   Cessnock   Cessnock
2010   Maitland 24–8   Cessnock   Maitland
2011   Maitland 19–18   West Newcastle   Maitland
2012   West Newcastle 16–14   Cessnock   Cessnock
2013   West Newcastle 21–8   Kurri Kurri   West Newcastle
2014   West Newcastle 22–8   Cessnock   West Newcastle
2015   Lakes United 24–18   Macquarie   West Newcastle
2016   South Newcastle 21–12   Macquarie   Macquarie
2017   Macquarie 24–6   West Newcastle   West Newcastle
2018   South Newcastle 30–18   Lakes United   Lakes United
2019   West Newcastle 36–0   Cessnock   West Newcastle
2020   Cessnock* 20–6   South Newcastle   Wyong
2021 Competition cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions   Maitland
2022   Maitland 40–4   Macquarie   Maitland
2023   Maitland 46–10   South Newcastle   Maitland
2024   Maitland 24–4   Central Newcastle   Maitland

Reserve Grade Premiers

Season
Premiers
1910   North Newcastle
1911   North Newcastle
1912   North Newcastle
1913   West Newcastle
1914   West Newcastle
1915   West Newcastle
1916 No Competition
1917 No Competition
1918 No Competition
1919 No Competition
1920   South Newcastle
1921 Broadmeadow
1922   North Newcastle
1923   South Newcastle
1924 Carrington
1925 Carrington
1926   North Newcastle
1927   South Newcastle
1928   East Newcastle
1929   East Newcastle
1930   North Newcastle
1931   North Newcastle
1932   East Newcastle
1933   Maitland
1934   Cessnock
1935   North Newcastle
1936   Kurri Kurri
1937   North Newcastle
1938   East Newcastle
1939   Waratah-Mayfield
1940   West Newcastle
1941   South Newcastle
1942   Waratah-Mayfield
1943   South Newcastle
1944   South Newcastle
1945   North Newcastle
1946   Central Newcastle
1947   Kurri Kurri
1948   Kurri Kurri
1949   Central Newcastle
1950   North Newcastle
1951   Cessnock
1952   Cessnock
1953   West Newcastle
1954   Cessnock
1955   Waratah-Mayfield
1956   Maitland
1957   Cessnock
1958   Cessnock
1959   Maitland
1960   West Newcastle
1961   West Newcastle
1963   West Newcastle
1964   Cessnock
1965   West Newcastle
1966   West Newcastle
1967   West Newcastle
1968   West Newcastle
1969   West Newcastle
1970   Maitland
1971   West Newcastle
1972   West Newcastle
1973   Kurri Kurri
1974   Macquarie
1975   Cessnock
1976   Lakes United
1977   Cessnock
1978   Cessnock
1979   West Newcastle
1980   Cessnock
1981   Kurri Kurri
1982   West Newcastle
1983   Lakes United
1984   West Newcastle
1985   Lakes United
1986   West Newcastle
1987   Maitland
1988   West Newcastle
1989   West Newcastle
1990   Lakes United
1991   South Newcastle
1992   West Newcastle
1993   Waratah-Mayfield
1994   Maitland
1995   Lakes United
1996   West Newcastle
1997   West Newcastle
1998   South Newcastle
1999   South Newcastle
2000   West Newcastle
2001   West Newcastle
2002   West Newcastle
2003   Wyong
2004   Wyong
2005   West Newcastle
2006   Macquarie
2007   West Newcastle
2008   Macquarie
2009   South Newcastle
2010   Maitland
2011   West Newcastle
2012   West Newcastle
2013   Macquarie
2014   West Newcastle
2015   Lakes United
2016   Lakes United
2017   West Newcastle
2018   Macquarie
2019   West Newcastle
2020   West Newcastle*
2021 No Finals Series (COVID)
2022   Northern Hawks
2023   West Newcastle
2024   Maitland

[17]

Women's Premiership

Season
Premiers
2024   Maitland

Team of the Century

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In 2008, rugby league football's centennial year in Australia, the Newcastle Rugby League named its 'Team of the Century':[18]

  1. Clive Churchill (Central Newcastle)
  2. Eddie Lumsden (Kurri Kurri)
  3. Ron Bailey (Waratah-Mayfield)
  4. Brian Carlson (North)
  5. Johnny Graves (Maitland)
  6. Bob Banks (Central Newcastle)
  7. Andrew Johns (Cessnock)
  8. Paul Harragon (Lakes United)
  9. Allan Buman (West Newcastle)
  10. Jim Gibbs (South Newcastle)
  11. Don Schofield (Cessnock)
  12. Herb Narvo (North Newcastle)
  13. (c) Wally Prigg (West Newcastle)
  14. John Sattler (Kurri Kurri)
  15. Albert Paul (Lakes United)
  16. Matthew Gidley (West Newcastle)
  17. Les Johns (South Newcastle)

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Newcastle Competitions". users.hunterlink.net.au. Archived from the original on 21 November 2008.
  2. ^ Newcastle Morning Herald Microfiche archive, held at Newcastle University
  3. ^ "Regional and Metro teams to meet in unique 2020 Presidents Cup". New South Wales Rugby League. 30 June 2020.
  4. ^ Josh Callinan (10 December 2020). "Central Coast clubs set to join Newcastle RL in 2021; new-look President's Cup series". Newcastle Herald. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  5. ^ "Major premiers blank as Newcastle RL campaign over". Newcastle Herald. 3 September 2021.
  6. ^ "Maitland Pickers vs Macquarie Scorpions - Grand Final, 2022 - Match Centre".
  7. ^ "Pickers trample Bulls to win another President's Cup". 25 September 2022.
  8. ^ "Competition: 2023 Denton Engineering Cup Draw".
  9. ^ "Bettridge handed reins to Newcastle Rebels". 23 November 2022.
  10. ^ "Maitland DE Cup vs South Newcastle DE Cup - Grand Final, 2023 - Match Centre".
  11. ^ "Maitland DE Cup vs Central Newcastle DE Cup - Grand Final, 2024 - Match Centre".
  12. ^ "2024 OPORTO WOMEN'S PREMIERSHIP DRAW RELEASE".
  13. ^ "League Unlimited :: Rugby League News, Headlines, Results and Live Updates". www.leagueunlimited.com. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011.
  14. ^ "Cessnock Rugby League Football". Archived from the original on 14 September 2008. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
  15. ^ "Souths Merewether". www.southleagues.com.au. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h "Club History". cessnockrugbyleague.net.au. Cessnock Rugby League Football Club. Retrieved 21 March 2014.
  17. ^ "Newcastle Rugby League Year Book - 2021 by newcastle-rl - Issuu". 20 December 2021.
  18. ^ "Newcastle Rugby League – Team of the Century". Newcastle Herald. Archived from the original on 22 March 2012. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
edit
  • Power, Bob (1992). The Rebels of Rugby: The Story of Newcastle Rugby League Pioneers "The Bolsheviks vs. The Lilywhites" 1907–1920. Newcastle, New South Wales: self.
  • Ryan, Graham & Betty et al., Newcastle Knights 1988: Collectors Edition, Macquarie Publications, Dubbo, 1988.
  • Pat "Nimmo" Walsh Family archive Newspaper Match Reports.
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