HUNTER Valley Group 21 will boast a strong representation in the Newcastle Rugby League grand final following the Cessnock Goannas stunning victory over Western Suburbs on Saturday.
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Despite trailing at the main break, the Goannas - featuring Greta Branxton captain-coach Liam Foran, Aberdeen's Hamish Wolfgang and former Tiger Guy Thompson - piled on 38 points in the second period to progress to the "big dance".
Cessnock eventually prevailed 38-14 in the knockout semi at Maitland Sportsground.
Wests had been 8-0 ahead at half-time.
Josh Griffiths (2), Nagngarra Barker, Harvey Neville, Brayden Musgrove and Harrison Spruce were among the try scorers for the Coalfields club.
Cessnock coach Todd Edwards said he was "proud of the boys".
The Goannas now advance to the October 18 decider at the same venue.
They'll meet the winner of Sunday's showdown between minor premiers Wyong and Souths, which includes ex-Scone Thoroughbred Lachlan Walmsley and Aberdeen captain-coach Daniel Hoogerwerf.
- with Rod Thompson
Josh Callinan
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
