French
DeutschNewcastle Rugby League
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (December 2023) |
| Sport | Rugby league |
|---|---|
| Instituted | 1910 |
| Inaugural season | 1910 |
| Number of teams | 11 |
| Country |  Australia |
| Premiers |  Maitland (2024 Newcastle Rugby League Season) |
| Most titles |  West Newcastle (23 titles) |
| Website | Newcastle RL on facebook |
| Broadcast partner | Bar TV Sports (Australia) |
| Related competition | Presidents Cup Conferences: *Peter McDonald Premiership (West) *Ron Massey Cup (Central) *Mojo Homes Illawarra Cup (South) |
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.
History
[edit]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]
Clubs
[edit]Current
[edit]
Former
[edit]| Club | Est. | Colours | City/Suburb | Reason | FG Seasons | FG Premierships | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Final | ||||||
| Central-South Newcastle | 1919 |  | Newcastle (Charlestown) | Demerged; Central & South reformed as separate teams | 1919 | 1 | 1919 |
| Eastern Suburbs | 1912 |  | Newcastle (Newcastle West) | Folded due to player shortage during WWII | 1912–16, 1919–42 | 5 | 1932 |
| Maitland United Pumpkin Pickers | 1925 |  | Maitland | Folded due to district being given to Morpeth-East Maitland | 1925, 1927–42 | 2 | 1934 |
| Morpeth | 1925 |  | Maitland (South Maitland) | Merged with East Maitland to form Morpeth-East Maitland | 1925 | 0 | — |
| North-Nelson Bay Marlins | 1988 |  | Port Stephens | Demerged; North Newcastle joined second division | 1989–00 | 0 | — |
| Northern Blues | 1911 | | Port Stephens | Folded; Succeeded by Port Stephens | 2001–11 | 1 | 2005 |
| North Newcastle Bluebags | 1910 |  | Newcastle (Wickham) | Merged with Nelson Bay to form North-Nelson Bay | 1910–16, 1919–88 | 15 | 1979 |
| Port Stephens Sharks |  | Port Stephens | Folded; Succeeded by Nelson Bay | 2012–14 | 0 | — | |
| Raymond Terrace Magpies |  | Raymond Terrace | Moved to Group 21 Premiership | 2001–08 | 0 | — | |
| Waratah-Mayfield Cheetahs | 1927 |  | Newcastle (Waratah) | Recess; Moved to second division | 1927–04 | 6 | 2000 |
Current Competitions
[edit]First Grade
[edit]| Year | Premiers | Score | Runners-up | Match Information | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Venue | Referee | Video | ||||
| NSWRL Northern Branch Premiership (1910–16, 1919) | |||||||
| 1910 | Central Newcastle | 13 – 4 |  South Newcastle | 10 September 1910 | Hamilton League Ground, Newcastle | T. McMahon Snr | |
| 1911 | Northern Suburbs | 10 – 2 | Central Newcastle | 9 September 1911 | Hamilton League Ground, Newcastle | L. Kearney | |
| 1912 | Western Suburbs  | 10 – 7 | East Newcastle | 21 September 1912 | Newcastle Sportsground, Newcastle | H. Poulton | |
| 1913 | East Newcastle | 18 – 0 | Western Suburbs | 13 September 1913 | Newcastle Sportsground, Newcastle | T. McMahon Snr | |
| 1914 | (2) Northern Suburbs | 5 – 2 | Central Newcastle | 29 August 1914 | Newcastle Sportsground, Newcastle | W. Reid | |
| 1915 | (2) Western Suburbs | 22 – 8 | Northern Suburbs | 11 September 1915 | Newcastle Sportsground, Newcastle | T. McMahon Snr | |
| 1916 | (3) Western Suburbs | 10 – 8 | Northern Suburbs | 19 August 1916 | Newcastle Sportsground, Newcastle | L. Colgan | |
| 1917 | No Official Competition Contested | ||||||
| 1918 | |||||||
| 1919 | (2) Eastern Suburbs | 11 – 9 | Northern Suburbs | 23 August 1919 | Wickham Park, Newcastle | L. Colgan | |
| NDRLFA Premiership (1919) | |||||||
| 1919 | Central-South Newcastle | 7 – 2 | Western Suburbs | 16 August 1919 | |||
| Newcastle Rugby League Premiership (1920–present) | |||||||
| 1920 | (3) Northern Suburbs | 11 – 0 | South Newcastle | 14 August 1920 | Newcastle Showground, Newcastle | J. Mitten | |
| 1921 | (2) Central Newcastle | 5 – 3 | Western Suburbs | 3 September 1921 | Newcastle Showground, Newcastle | J. Mitten | |
| 1922 | (4) Western Suburbs | 5 – 0 | Central Newcastle | 29 July 1922 | Newcastle Showground, Newcastle | L. Colgan | |
| 1923 | (3) Eastern Suburbs | 17 – 8 | Northern Suburbs | 22 September 1923 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | L. Colgan | |
| 1924 | (4) Eastern Suburbs | 9 – 2 | Northern Suburbs | 12 July 1924 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | L. Colgan | |
| 1925 | (4) Northern Suburbs | 10 – 6 | Eastern Suburbs | 12 September 1925 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Mitten | |
| 1926 | (5) Northern Suburbs | 13 – 8 | South Newcastle | 3 July 1926 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | L. Colgan | |
| 1927 | South Newcastle | 8 – 3 | Northern Suburbs | 24 September 1927 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | L. Colgan | |
| 1928 | (3) Central Newcastle | 11 – 8 | Northern Suburbs | 22 September 1928 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | E. Hill | |
| 1929 | (6) Northern Suburbs | 10 – 5 | Waratah-Mayfield | 5 October 1929 | Waratah Oval, Newcastle | J. Mitten | |
| 1930 | (4) Central Newcastle | 17 – 2 | South Newcastle | 27 September 1930 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Mitten | |
| 1931 | Kurri Kurri  | 7 – 7 | Northern Suburbs Bluebags | 26 September 1931 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Moses | |
| 9 – 0 | 3 October 1931 | ||||||
| 1932 | (5) Eastern Suburbs | 20 – 17 |  Cessnock | 17 September 1932 | Newcastle Showground, Newcastle | E. Hill | |
| 1933 | Maitland United Pumpkin Pickers | 20 – 0 | Waratah-Mayfield | 30 September 1933 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | ||
| 1934 | (2) Maitland United Pumpkin Pickers | 4 – 2 | Waratah-Mayfield | 8 September 1934 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | ||
| 1935 | (7) Northern Suburbs Bluebags | 14 – 4 | Central Newcastle | 5 October 1935 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Mercer | |
| 1936 | Waratah-Mayfield | 12 – 2 | Cessnock | 19 September 1936 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | R. Lewis | |
| 1937 | (5) Central Newcastle | 22 – 7 | Cessnock | 11 September 1937 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | ||
| 1938 | (8) Northern Suburbs Bluebags | 20 – 4 | Waratah-Mayfield | 1 October 1938 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | R. Lewis | |
| 1939 | (6) Central Newcastle | 34 – 5 | Western Suburbs Rosellas | 2 September 1939 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | A. Shipway | |
| 1940 | (2) Kurri Kurri Cooks | 12 – 5 | Cessnock | 21 September 1940 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | R. Cody | |
| 1941 | Cessnock | 18 – 3 | South Newcastle | 6 September 1941 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | R. Cody | |
| 1942 | (2) Waratah-Mayfield | 18 – 11 | South Newcastle | 3 October 1942 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | ||
| 1943 | (2) South Newcastle | 9 – 0 | Waratah-Mayfield | 28 August 1943 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | R. Lewis | |
| 1944 | (3) Waratah-Mayfield | 18 – 15 | Western Suburbs Rosellas | 2 September 1944 | New Lambton Oval, Newcastle | ||
| 1945 | (3) Kurri Kurri Cooks | 7 – 4 | South Newcastle | 8 September 1945 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | ||
| 1946 | (3) South Newcastle | 11 – 3 | Western Suburbs Rosellas | 17 August 1946 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | ||
| 1947 | Lakes United  | 13 – 0 | Northern Suburbs Bluebags | 20 September 1947 | New Lambton Oval, Newcastle | R. Baker | |
| 1948 | (9) Northern Suburbs Bluebags | 5 – 2 | Kurri Kurri Cooks | 18 September 1948 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | E. Howley | |
| 1949 | (7) Central Newcastle | 28 – 2 | Kurri Kurri Cooks | ||||
| 1950 | (2) Cessnock | 19 – 12 | Central Newcastle | 7 October 1950 | Maitland Showground, Maitland | ||
| 1951 | (10) Northern Suburbs Bluebags | 12 – 8 | Maitland District Pumpkin Pickers | 8 September 1951 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | H. Gillard | |
| 1952 | (4) Waratah-Mayfield | 5 – 4 | Lakes United Seagulls | ||||
| 1953 | (11) Northern Suburbs Bluebags | 16 – 11 | Cessnock | 12 September 1953 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Lane | |
| 1954 | (3) Cessnock | 14 – 13 | Maitland District Pumpkin Pickers | ||||
| 1955 | (4) Cessnock | 9 – 7 |  Maitland Pumpkin Pickers | ||||
| 1956 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers | 16 – 9 | Cessnock | ||||
| 1957 | (2) Maitland Pumpkin Pickers | 17 – 12 | Kurri Kurri Cooks | N. Spohr | |||
| 1958 | (3) Maitland Pumpkin Pickers | 22 – 7 | Cessnock | N. Spohr | |||
| 1959 | (12) Northern Suburbs Bluebags | 13 – 12 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers | N. Spohr | |||
| 1960 | (5) Cessnock | 33 – 5 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers | N. Spohr | |||
| 1961 | (5) Western Suburbs Rosellas | 10 – 9 | Waratah-Mayfield | N. Spohr | |||
| 1962 | (13) Northern Suburbs Bluebags | 18 – 6 | South Newcastle Lions | N. Spohr | |||
| 1963 | (4) South Newcastle Lions | 12 – 7 | Central Newcastle | N. Spohr | |||
| 1964 | (5) South Newcastle Lions | 27 – 12 | Western Suburbs Rosellas | N. Spohr | |||
| 1965 | (4) Maitland Pumpkin Pickers | 22 – 3 | South Newcastle Lions | N. Spohr | |||
| 1966 | (6) Western Suburbs Rosellas | 31 – 9 | Cessnock | N. Spohr | |||
| 1967 | (14) Northern Suburbs Bluebags | 13 – 11 | Western Suburbs Rosellas | 26 August 1967 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | N. Spohr | |
| 1968 | (6) South Newcastle Lions | 9 – 6 | Lakes United Seagulls | N. Spohr | |||
| 1969 | (5) Maitland Pumpkin Pickers | 19 – 9 | Lakes United Seagulls | ||||
| 1970 | (7) Western Suburbs Rosellas | 21 – 14 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers | T. Gustard | |||
| 1971 | (6) Maitland Pumpkin Pickers | 30 – 19 | Lakes United Seagulls | ||||
| 1972 | (6) Cessnock | 18 – 10 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers | ||||
| 1973 | (7) Maitland Pumpkin Pickers | 27 – 18 | Western Suburbs Rosellas | ||||
| 1974 | (2) Lakes United Seagulls | 7 – 2 | Western Suburbs Rosellas | 15 September 1974 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | ||
| 1975 | (3) Lakes United Seagulls | 30 – 17 | Western Suburbs Rosellas | 14 September 1975 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | ||
| 1976 | (7) South Newcastle Lions | 22 – 15 | Western Suburbs Rosellas | 12 September 1976 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | ||
| 1977 | (7) Cessnock Goannas | 21 – 17 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers | 11 September 1977 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Geddes | |
| 1978 | (8) Western Suburbs Rosellas | 23 – 16 | South Newcastle Lions | 17 September 1978 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Geddes | |
| 1979 | (15) North Newcastle Bluebags | 20 – 8 | Cessnock Goannas | 16 September 1979 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | T. Gustard | |
| 1980 | (9) Western Suburbs Rosellas | 17 – 3 | Cessnock Goannas | 14 September 1980 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | G. Alchin | |
| 1981 | (10) Western Suburbs Rosellas | 13 – 2 | Cessnock Goannas | 20 September 1981 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | T. Gustard | |
| 1982 | (11) Western Suburbs Rosellas | 21 – 14 | Kurri Kurri Bulldogs | ||||
| 1983 | (8) Maitland Pumpkin Pickers | 20 – 12 | Cessnock Goannas | 11 September 1983 | Newcastle International Sports Centre, Newcastle | T. Gustard | |
| 1984 | (12) Western Suburbs Rosellas | 10 – 2 | Lakes United Seagulls | 9 September 1984 | Newcastle International Sports Centre, Newcastle | T. Gustard | |
| 1985 | (4) Lakes United Seagulls | 12 – 6 | Cessnock Goannas | 8 September 1985 | Newcastle International Sports Centre, Newcastle | T. Gustard | |
| 1986 | (5) Lakes United Seagulls | 4 – 0 | South Newcastle Lions | 14 September 1986 | Newcastle International Sports Centre, Newcastle | T. Gustard | |
| 1987 | (6) Lakes United Seagulls | 24 – 16 | South Newcastle Lions | 30 August 1987 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | T. Gustard | |
| 1988 | (8) South Newcastle Lions | 29 – 8 | Lakes United Seagulls | 21 August 1988 | Newcastle International Sports Centre, Newcastle | M. Benson | |
| 1989 | (9) South Newcastle Lions | 20 – 2 | Western Suburbs Rosellas | 3 September 1989 | Newcastle International Sports Centre, Newcastle | M. Benson | |
| 1990 | (5) Waratah-Mayfield Cheetahs | 17 – 14 | Lakes United Seagulls | 19 August 1990 | Harker Oval, Newcastle | M. Benson | |
| 1991 | Toronto Workers Scorpions  | 21 – 10 | Western Suburbs Rosellas | 1 September 1991 | Harker Oval, Newcastle | P. Lovett | V |
| 1992 | (13) Western Suburbs Rosellas | 33 – 0 | Lakes United Seagulls | 6 September 1992 | Harker Oval, Newcastle | P. Lovett | |
| 1993 | (4) Kurri Workers Bulldogs | 20 – 18 | Western Suburbs Rosellas | 29 August 1993 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | P. Lovett | V |
| 1994 | (5) Kurri Workers Bulldogs | 20 – 16 | Toronto Workers Scorpions | 28 August 1994 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | R. Williams | V |
| 1995 | (6) Kurri Workers Bulldogs | 24 – 4 | Western Suburbs Rosellas | 20 August 1995 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | R. Williams | V |
| 1996 | (7) Lakes United Seagulls | 16 – 6 | Western Suburbs Rosellas | 1 September 1996 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | T. Hardy | |
| 1997 | (14) Western Suburbs Rosellas | 26 – 16 | Lakes United Seagulls | 7 September 1997 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | R. Williams | |
| 1998 | (15) Western Suburbs Rosellas | 51 – 14 | South Newcastle Lions | 23 August 1998 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | D. Andrews | |
| 1999 | (16) Western Suburbs Rosellas | 22 – 18 | Cessnock Goannas | 22 August 1999 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | T. Hardy | |
| 2000 | (6) Waratah-Mayfield Cheetahs | 20 – 14 | Lakes United Seagulls | 10 September 2000 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | D. Andrews | V1 |
| 2001 | (8) Lakes United Seagulls | 18 – 10 | Western Suburbs Rosellas | 26 August 2001 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | T. Hardy | V |
| 2002 | (17) Western Suburbs Rosellas | 27 – 16 | Lakes United Seagulls | 8 September 2002 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Taylor | |
| 2003 | (8) Cessnock Goannas | 22 – 20 | Raymond Terrace Magpies | 31 August 2003 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | D. Andrews | |
| 2004 | (18) Western Suburbs Rosellas | 32 – 28 | Northern Blues | 5 September 2004 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Taylor | |
| 2005 | Northern Blues | 30 – 12 | Western Suburbs Rosellas | 11 September 2005 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | D. Sproule | |
| 2006 | (9) Lakes United Seagulls | 40 – 22 | Nelson Bay Blues | 3 September 2006 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | D. Sproule | |
| 2007 | (10) Lakes United Seagulls | 32 – 12 |  Wyong Roos | 2 September 2007 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | D. Sproule | V |
| 2008 | (19) Western Suburbs Rosellas | 12 – 10 | Cessnock Goannas | 31 August 2008 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | D. Smith | |
| 2009 | Wyong Roos | 36 – 4 | Cessnock Goannas | 13 September 2009 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | D. Oultram | |
| 2010 | (9) Maitland Pickers | 24 – 8 | Cessnock Goannas | 19 September 2010 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | D. Smith | |
| 2011 | (10) Maitland Pickers | 19 – 18 | Western Suburbs Rosellas | 18 September 2011 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | D. Oultram | V |
| 2012 | (20) Western Suburbs Rosellas | 16 – 14 | Cessnock Goannas | 23 September 2012 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | D. Oultram | V |
| 2013 | (21) Western Suburbs Rosellas | 21 – 8 | Kurri Kurri Bulldogs | 22 September 2013 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Taylor | V |
| 2014 | (22) Western Suburbs Rosellas | 22 – 8 | Cessnock Goannas | 21 September 2014 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Taylor | V |
| 2015 | (11) Lakes United Seagulls | 24 – 18 | Macquarie Scorpions | 27 September 2015 | Hunter Stadium, Newcastle | J. Taylor | V |
| 2016 | (10) South Newcastle Lions | 21 – 12 | Macquarie Scorpions | 18 September 2016 | Hunter Stadium, Newcastle | T. Aylett | V |
| 2017 | (2) Macquarie Scorpions | 24 – 6 | Western Suburbs Rosellas | 23 September 2017 | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | T. Aylett | V |
| 2018 | (11) South Newcastle Lions | 30 – 18 | Lakes United Seagulls | 23 September 2018 | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | L. Matheson | V |
| 2019 | (23) Western Suburbs Rosellas | 36 – 20 | Cessnock Goannas | 22 September 2019 | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | J. Butler | V |
| 2020 | (9) Cessnock Goannas | 20 – 6 | South Newcastle Lions | 18 October 2020 | Maitland Sportsground, Maitland | T. Taylor | V |
| 2021 | Competition cancelled due to Covid-19 | ||||||
| 2022 | (11) Maitland Pickers | 40 – 4 | Macquarie Scorpions | 11 September 2022 | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | J. Butler | V |
| 2023 | (12) Maitland Pickers | 46 – 10 | South Newcastle Lions | 3 September 2023 | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | J. Butler | V |
| 2024 | (13) Maitland Pickers | 24 – 4 | Central Newcastle Butcher Boys | 29 September 2024 | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | J. Butler | V |
Team Performance
[edit]| Team | Winners | Runners-up | Years won | Years runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Suburbs Rosellas | 23 | 21 | 1912, 1915, 1916, 1922, 1961, 1966, 1970, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1992, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2019 | 1913, 1919, 1921, 1939, 1944, 1946, 1964, 1967, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 2001, 2005, 2011, 2017 |
| North Newcastle Bluebags | 15 | 9 | 1911, 1914, 1920, 1925, 1926, 1929, 1935, 1938, 1948, 1951 1953, 1959, 1962, 1967, 1979 | 1915, 1916, 1919, 1923, 1924, 1927, 1928, 1931, 1947 |
| Maitland Pickers | 13 | 8 | 1956, 1957, 1958, 1965, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1983, 2010, 2011, 2022, 2023, 2024 | 1951, 1954, 1955, 1959, 1960, 1970, 1972, 1977 |
| South Newcastle Lions | 11 | 15 | 1927, 1943, 1946, 1963, 1964, 1968, 1976, 1988, 1989, 2016, 2018 | 1910, 1920, 1926, 1930, 1941, 1942, 1944, 1962, 1965, 1978, 1986, 1987, 1998, 2020, 2023 |
| Lakes United Seagulls | 11 | 12 | 1947, 1974, 1975, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2007, 2015 | 1952, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2018 |
| Cessnock Goannas | 9 | 20 | 1941, 1950, 1954, 1955, 1960, 1972, 1977, 2003, 2020 | 1932, 1936, 1937, 1940, 1953, 1956, 1958, 1966, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1999, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2019 |
| Central Newcastle Butcher Boys | 7 | 7 | 1910, 1921, 1928, 1930, 1937, 1939, 1949 | 1911, 1914, 1922, 1935, 1950, 1963, 2024 |
| Waratah-Mayfield Cheetahs | 6 | 6 | 1936, 1942, 1944, 1952, 1990, 2000 | 1929, 1933, 1934, 1938, 1943, 1961 |
| Kurri Kurri Bulldogs | 6 | 5 | 1931, 1940, 1945, 1993, 1994, 1995 | 1948, 1949, 1957, 1982, 2013 |
| East Newcastle | 5 | 2 | 1913, 1919, 1923, 1924, 1932 | 1912, 1925 |
| Macquarie Scorpions | 2 | 4 | 1991, 2017 | 1994, 2015, 2016, 2022 |
| Maitland United Pumpkin Pickers | 2 | 0 | 1933, 1934 | — |
| Northern Blues | 1 | 2 | 2005 | 2004, 2006 |
| Wyong Roos | 1 | 1 | 2009 | 2007 |
| Central-South Newcastle | 1 | 0 | 1919 | — |
| Raymond Terrace Magpies | 0 | 1 | — | 2003 |
Reserve Grade
[edit]| Year | Premiers | Score | Runners-up | Match Information | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Venue | Referee | Video | ||||
| NSWRL Northern Branch Second Grade (1910–16) | |||||||
| 1910 | Northern Suburbs (R) | 7 – 2 | Waratah | 13 August 1910 | Hamilton League Ground, Newcastle | W. Gower | |
| 1911 | (2) Northern Suburbs (R) | 15 – 3 | Western Suburbs (R) | 26 August 1911 | Hamilton League Ground, Newcastle | R. Lawson | |
| 1912 | (3) Northern Suburbs (R) | 12 – 7 | Western Suburbs (R) | 24 August 1912 | Newcastle Sportsground, Newcastle | H. Poulton | |
| 1913 | Western Suburbs (R) | 14 – 3 | Central Newcastle (R) | ||||
| 1914 | (2) Western Suburbs (R) | 23 – 7 | Northern Suburbs (R) | 29 August 1914 | Newcastle Sportsground, Newcastle | W. Reid | |
| 1915 | (3) Western Suburbs (R) | 13 – 3 | Northern Suburbs (R) | 29 August 1915 | Hamilton League Ground, Newcastle | ||
| 1916 | No Official Competition Contested | ||||||
| 1917 | |||||||
| 1918 | |||||||
| 1919 | |||||||
| Newcastle Rugby League Reserve Grade (1920–present) | |||||||
| 1920 | South Newcastle (R) | 5 – 0 | Northern Suburbs (R) | ||||
| 1921 | Broadmeadow | 5 – 2 | Carrington | 27 August 1921 | Newcastle Showground, Newcastle | ||
| 1922 | (4) Northern Suburbs (R) | 2 – 0 | Eastern Suburbs (R) | 12 August 1922 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | W. Reid | |
| 1923 | (2) South Newcastle (R) | 13 – 2 | Toronto | 8 September 1923 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | ||
| 1924 | Carrington | 5 – 3 | South Newcastle (R) | 23 August 1924 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | ||
| 1925 | (2) Carrington | 17 – 11 | Western Suburbs (R) | 18 July 1925 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | ||
| 1926 | (5) Northern Suburbs (R) | 8 – 2 | Eastern Suburbs (R) | 11 September 1926 | Newcastle Showground, Newcastle | W. Ashton | |
| 1927 | (3) South Newcastle (R) | 13 – 5 | Maitland United (R) | 15 October 1927 | Newcastle Showground, Newcastle | G. Patterson | |
| 1928 | Eastern Suburbs (R) | 6 – 0 | Northern Suburbs (R) | 22 September 1928 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Williams | |
| 1929 | (2) Eastern Suburbs (R) | 31 – 5 | Kurri Kurri (R) | 5 October 1929 | Waratah Oval, Newcastle | ||
| 1930 | (6) Northern Suburbs (R) | 10 – 7 | South Newcastle (R) | 4 October 1930 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Mercer | |
| 1931 | (7) Northern Suburbs Bluebags (R) | 24 – 4 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 19 September 1931 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | H. Brown | |
| 1932 | (3) Eastern Suburbs (R) | 14 – 5 | Maitland United Pumpkin Pickers (R) | 3 September 1932 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | ||
| 1933 | Maitland United Pumpkin Pickers (R) | 5 – 4 | Cessnock (R) | 30 September 1933 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Mercer | |
| 1934 | Cessnock (R) | 14 – 11 | Maitland United Pumpkin Pickers (R) | 22 September 1934 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | ||
| 1935 | (8) Northern Suburbs Bluebags (R) | 13 – 7 | Cessnock (R) | 5 October 1935 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | T. Taylor | |
| 1936 | Kurri Kurri (R) | 17 – 8 | Waratah-Mayfield (R) | 19 September 1936 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | N. Thompson | |
| 1937 | (9) Northern Suburbs Bluebags (R) | 15 – 7 | Kurri Kurri (R) | 4 September 1937 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | H. Brown | |
| 1938 | (4) Eastern Suburbs (R) | 7 – 3 | Northern Suburbs Bluebags (R) | 24 September 1938 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | C. Ireland | |
| 1939 | Waratah-Mayfield (R) | 20 – 7 | Central Newcastle (R) | 9 September 1939 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | H. Brown | |
| 1940 | (4) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 10 – 3 | Northern Suburbs Bluebags (R) | 21 September 1940 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | R. Lewis | |
| 1941 | (4) South Newcastle (R) | 8 – 7 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 20 September 1940 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | R. Wheatley | |
| 1942 | (2) Waratah-Mayfield (R) | 6 – 3 | South Newcastle (R) | 10 October 1942 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | ||
| 1943 | (5) South Newcastle (R) | 8 – 7 | Waratah-Mayfield (R) | 4 September 1943 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | ||
| 1944 | (6) South Newcastle (R) | 5 – 0 | Northern Suburbs Bluebags (R) | 16 September 1944 | New Lambton Oval, Newcastle | R. Baker | |
| 1945 | (10) Northern Suburbs Bluebags (R) | 11 – 2 | Kurri Kurri Cooks (R) | 15 September 1945 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | L. Jensen | |
| 1946 | Central Newcastle (R) | 23 – 4 | Belmont | 17 August 1946 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | ||
| 1947 | (2) Kurri Kurri Cooks (R) | 26 – 12 | South Newcastle (R) | 20 September 1947 | New Lambton Oval, Newcastle | ||
| 1948 | (3) Kurri Kurri Cooks (R) | 29 – 2 | South Newcastle (R) | ||||
| 1949 | (2) Central Newcastle (R) | 5 – 4 | Cessnock (R) | ||||
| 1950 | (11) Northern Suburbs Bluebags (R) | 15 – 6 | Cessnock (R) | ||||
| 1951 | (2) Cessnock (R) | 15 – 13 | Northern Suburbs Bluebags (R) | ||||
| 1952 | (3) Cessnock (R) | 36 – 0 | Waratah-Mayfield (R) | ||||
| 1953 | (5) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 9 – 8 | Cessnock (R) | ||||
| 1954 | (4) Cessnock (R) | 9 – 8 | Northern Suburbs Bluebags (R) | ||||
| 1955 | (3) Waratah-Mayfield (R) | 12 – 7 | Cessnock (R) | ||||
| 1956 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (R) | 14 – 6 | Cessnock (R) | ||||
| 1957 | (5) Cessnock (R) | 28 – 6 | South Newcastle (R) | ||||
| 1958 | (6) Cessnock (R) | 20 – 5 | Waratah-Mayfield (R) | ||||
| 1959 | (2) Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (R) | 14 – 8 | Lakes United Seagulls (R) | ||||
| 1960 | (6) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 13 – 5 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (R) | ||||
| 1961 | (7) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 15 – 12 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (R) | ||||
| 1962 | (8) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 14 – 3 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (R) | ||||
| 1963 | (7) South Newcastle Lions (R) | 10 – 6 | Northern Suburbs Bluebags (R) | 28 September 1963 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | B. O'Brien | |
| 1964 | (7) Cessnock (R) | 15 – 4 | Kurri Kurri Cooks (R) | ||||
| 1965 | (9) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 22 – 11 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (R) | ||||
| 1966 | (10) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 19 – 9 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (R) | ||||
| 1967 | (11) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 21 – 9 | Lakes United Seagulls (R) | ||||
| 1968 | (12) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 15 – 9 | Northern Suburbs Bluebags (R) | 14 September 1968 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | W. Humphries | |
| 1969 | (13) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 14 – 8 | South Newcastle Lions (R) | ||||
| 1970 | (3) Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (R) | 16 – 15 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | ||||
| 1971 | (14) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 16 – 12 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (R) | ||||
| 1972 | (15) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 12 – 6 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (R) | ||||
| 1973 | (4) Kurri Kurri Cooks (R) | 19 – 7 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (R) | ||||
| 1974 | Macquarie United Scorpions (R) | 19 – 14 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 15 September 1974 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | ||
| 1975 | (16) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 12 – 10 | Lakes United Seagulls (R) | 14 September 1975 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | ||
| 1976 | Lakes United Seagulls (R) | 20 – 12 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 12 September 1976 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | ||
| 1977 | (8) Cessnock Goannas (R) | 17 – 15 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 11 September 1977 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Geddes | |
| 1978 | (9) Cessnock Goannas (R) | 15 – 7 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (R) | 17 September 1978 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | C. Russell | |
| 1979 | (17) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 29 – 6 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (R) | 16 September 1979 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | D. Thornton | |
| 1980 | (10) Cessnock Goannas (R) | 15 – 14 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 14 September 1980 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | C. Russell | |
| 1981 | (5) Kurri Kurri Bulldogs (R) | 21 – 12 | Cessnock Goannas (R) | 20 September 1981 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | C. Russell | |
| 1982 | (18) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 21 – 10 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (R) | ||||
| 1983 | (2) Lakes United Seagulls (R) | 19 – 8 | Cessnock Goannas (R) | 11 September 1983 | Newcastle International Sports Centre, Newcastle | G. Turnbull | |
| 1984 | (19) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 32 – 14 | Waratah-Mayfield Cheetahs (R) | 9 September 1984 | Newcastle International Sports Centre, Newcastle | K. Marker | |
| 1985 | (3) Lakes United Seagulls (R) | 10 – 2 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 8 September 1985 | Newcastle International Sports Centre, Newcastle | T. Garrett | |
| 1986 | (20) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 8 – 6 | South Newcastle Lions (R) | 14 September 1986 | Newcastle International Sports Centre, Newcastle | P. Lovett | |
| 1987 | (4) Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (R) | 19 – 18 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 30 August 1987 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | K. Marker | |
| 1988 | (21) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 20 – 0 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (R) | 21 August 1988 | Newcastle International Sports Centre, Newcastle | P. Lovett | |
| 1989 | (22) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 24 – 6 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (R) | 3 September 1989 | Newcastle International Sports Centre, Newcastle | T. Hardy | |
| 1990 | (4) Lakes United Seagulls (R) | South Newcastle Lions (R) | 19 August 1990 | Harker Oval, Newcastle | R. Haines | ||
| 1991 | (8) South Newcastle Lions (R) | 32 – 24 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 1 September 1991 | Harker Oval, Newcastle | R. Haines | |
| 1992 | (23) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | Lakes United Seagulls (R) | 6 September 1992 | Harker Oval, Newcastle | R. Williams | ||
| 1993 | (4) Waratah-Mayfield Cheetahs (R) | South Newcastle Lions (R) | 29 August 1993 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | R. Williams | ||
| 1994 | (5) Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (R) | South Newcastle Lions (R) | 28 August 1994 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | T. Sutcliffe | ||
| 1995 | (5) Lakes United Seagulls (R) | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (R) | 20 August 1995 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | T. Sutcliffe | ||
| 1996 | (24) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | Kurri Workers Bulldogs (R) | 1 September 1996 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | R. Williams | ||
| 1997 | (25) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | South Newcastle Lions (R) | 7 September 1997 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | T. Hardy | ||
| 1998 | (9) South Newcastle Lions (R) | Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 23 August 1998 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | D. Sproule | ||
| 1999 | (10) South Newcastle Lions (R) | Lakes United Seagulls (R) | 22 August 1999 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | G. Stair | ||
| 2000 | (26) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | Lakes United Seagulls (R) | 10 September 2000 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Taylor | ||
| 2001 | (27) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | Cessnock Goannas (R) | 26 August 2001 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | D. Andrews | ||
| 2002 | (28) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | Cessnock Goannas (R) | 8 September 2002 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | D. Smith | ||
| 2003 | (29) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | Raymond Terrace Magpies | 31 August 2003 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Taylor | ||
| 2004 | Wyong Roos (R) | Lakes United Seagulls (R) | 5 September 2004 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | G. West | ||
| 2005 | (30) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 38 – 24 | Wyong Roos (R) | 11 September 2005 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Taylor | |
| 2006 | (2) Macquarie Scorpions (R) | Nelson Bay Blues (R) | 3 September 2006 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Taylor | ||
| 2007 | (31) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 22 – 10 | Cessnock Goannas (R) | 2 September 2007 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Taylor | V |
| 2008 | (3) Macquarie Scorpions (R) | 30 – 26 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 31 August 2008 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Taylor | |
| 2009 | (11) South Newcastle Lions (R) | 19 – 18 | Macquarie Scorpions (R) | 13 September 2009 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Taylor | |
| 2010 | (6) Maitland Pickers (R) | 22 – 4 | Central Newcastle Butcher Boys (R) | 19 September 2010 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | D. Oultram | V |
| 2011 | (32) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 32 – 10 | Wyong Roos (R) | 18 September 2011 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Taylor | V |
| 2012 | (33) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 46 – 0 | Maitland Pickers (R) | 23 September 2012 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Taylor | |
| 2013 | (4) Macquarie Scorpions (R) | 32 – 16 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 22 September 2013 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | T. Aylett | V1 |
| 2014 | (34) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 28 – 20 | Central Newcastle Butcher Boys (R) | 21 September 2014 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | R. Walters | V |
| 2015 | (6) Lakes United Seagulls (R) | 19 – 18 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 27 September 2015 | Hunter Stadium, Newcastle | G. Stair | V |
| 2016 | (7) Lakes United Seagulls (R) | 22 – 20 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 18 September 2016 | Hunter Stadium, Newcastle | J. Taylor | V |
| 2017 | (35) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 31 – 12 | South Newcastle Lions (R) | 23 September 2017 | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | T. Taylor | V |
| 2018 | (5) Macquarie Scorpions (R) | 34 – 10 | Central Newcastle Butcher Boys (R) | 23 September 2018 | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | T. Taylor | V |
| 2019 | (36) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 18 – 16 | South Newcastle Lions (R) | 22 September 2019 | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | T. Taylor | V |
| 2020 | (37) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 13 – 12 | Wyong Roos (R) | 18 October 2020 | Maitland Sportsground, Maitland | L. Matheson | V |
| 2021 | Competition cancelled due to Covid-19 | ||||||
| 2022 | Northern Hawks  | 20 – 0 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 11 September 2022 | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | T. Taylor | V |
| 2023 | (38) Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 14 – 6 | Maitland Pickers (R) | 3 September 2023 | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | B. Hunt | V |
| 2024 | (7) Maitland Pickers (R) | 24 – 22 | Lakes United Seagulls (R) | 29 September 2024 | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | K. Grogan | V |
Team Performance
[edit]| Team | Winners | Runners-up | Years won | Years runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Suburbs Rosellas (R) | 38 | 19 | 1913, 1914, 1915, 1940, 1953, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1972, 1975, 1979, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1992, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2023 | 1911, 1912, 1925, 1931, 1941, 1970, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1980, 1985, 1987, 1991, 1998, 2008, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2022 |
| South Newcastle Lions (R) | 11 | 14 | 1920, 1923, 1927, 1941, 1943, 1944, 1963, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2009 | 1924, 1930, 1942, 1947, 1948, 1957, 1969, 1986, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1997, 2017, 2019 |
| North Newcastle Bluebags (R) | 11 | 11 | 1910, 1911, 1912, 1922, 1926, 1930, 1931, 1935, 1937, 1945, 1950 | 1914, 1915, 1920, 1928, 1938, 1940, 1944, 1951, 1954, 1963, 1968 |
| Cessnock Goannas (R) | 10 | 12 | 1934, 1951, 1952, 1954, 1957, 1958, 1964, 1977, 1978, 1980 | 1933, 1935, 1949, 1950, 1953, 1955, 1956, 1981, 1983, 2001, 2002, 2007 |
| Maitland Pickers (R) | 7 | 16 | 1956, 1959, 1970, 1987, 1994, 2010, 2024 | 1960, 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1978, 1979, 1982, 1988, 1989, 1995, 2012, 2023 |
| Lakes United Seagulls (R) | 7 | 8 | 1976, 1983, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2015, 2016 | 1959, 1967, 1975, 1992, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2024 |
| Kurri Kurri Bulldogs (R) | 5 | 5 | 1936, 1947, 1948, 1973, 1981 | 1929, 1937, 1945, 1964, 1996 |
| Macquarie Scorpions (R) | 5 | 1 | 1974, 2006, 2008, 2013, 2018 | 2009 |
| Waratah-Mayfield Cheetahs (R) | 4 | 5 | 1939, 1942, 1955, 1993 | 1936, 1943, 1952, 1958, 1984 |
| East Newcastle (R) | 4 | 2 | 1928, 1929, 1932, 1938 | 1922, 1926 |
| Central Newcastle Butcher Boys (R) | 2 | 5 | 1946, 1949 | 1913, 1939, 2010, 2014, 2018 |
| Carrington | 2 | 1 | 1924, 1925 | 1921 |
| Maitland United Pumpkin Pickers (R) | 1 | 3 | 1933 | 1927, 1932, 1934 |
| Wyong Roos (R) | 1 | 3 | 2004 | 2005, 2011, 2020 |
| Broadmeadow | 1 | 0 | 1921 | — |
| Northern Hawks | 1 | 0 | 2022 | — |
| Waratah | 0 | 1 | — | 1910 |
| Toronto | 0 | 1 | — | 1923 |
| Belmont | 0 | 1 | — | 1946 |
| Raymond Terrace Magpies (R) | 0 | 1 | — | 2003 |
| Northern Blues (R) | 0 | 1 | — | 2006 |
Under 19s
[edit]| Year | Premiers | Score | Runners-up | Match Information | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Venue | Referee | Video | ||||
| Newcastle Rugby League Under 19s (2008, 2015–present) | |||||||
| 2008 | 31 August 2008 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | D. Oultram | ||||
| 2009 | Under 19s played as Third Grade competition | ||||||
| 2010 | No Under 19s competition held | ||||||
| 2011 | |||||||
| 2012 | |||||||
| Newcastle Rugby League Under 18s Division 1 (2013–14) | |||||||
| 2013 | 22 September 2013 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | B. Teague | ||||
| 2014 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (U18s) | 16 – 8 | Maitland Pickers (U18s) | 21 September 2014 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | C. Mitchell | V |
| Newcastle Rugby League Under 19s (2008, 2015–present) | |||||||
| 2015 | Central Newcastle Butcher Boys (U19s) | 14 – 12 | Maitland Pickers (U19s) | 27 September 2015 | Hunter Stadium, Newcastle | T. Taylor | V |
| 2016 | Lakes United Seagulls (U19s) | 12 – 8 | Central Newcastle Butcher Boys (U19s) | 18 September 2016 | Hunter Stadium, Newcastle | J. Flett | V |
| 2017 | Cessnock Goannas (U19s) | 16 – 6 | Lakes United Seagulls (U19s) | 23 September 2017 | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | D. Clarke | V |
| 2018 | Maitland Pickers (U19s) | 13 – 6 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (U19s) | 23 September 2018 | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | B. Eyb | V |
| 2019 | Lakes United Seagulls (U19s) | 14 – 4 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (U19s) | 22 September 2019 | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | B. Eyb | V |
| 2020 | Central Newcastle Butcher Boys (U19s) | 26 – 24 | Lakes United Seagulls (U19s) | 18 October 2020 | Maitland Sportsground, Maitland | B. Eyb | V |
| 2021 | Competition cancelled due to Covid-19 | ||||||
| 2022 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (U19s) | 22 – 16 | Lakes United Seagulls (U19s) | 11 September 2022 | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | B. Hunt | V |
| 2023 | Lakes United Seagulls (U19s) | 14 – 11 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (U19s) | 3 September 2023 | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | S. Daley | V |
| 2024 | Lakes United Seagulls (U19s) | 32 – 12 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (U19s) | 29 September 2024 | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | T. Taylor | V |
Women's
[edit]| Year | Premiers | Score | Runners-up | Match Information | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Venue | Referee | Video | ||||
| Newcastle Rugby League Women's Premiership (2024–present) | |||||||
| 2024 | Maitland Pickers (W) | 16 – 10 | Lakes United Seagulls (W) | 29 September 2024 | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle | S. Daley | V |
Team Performance
[edit]| Team | Winners | Runners-up | Years won | Years runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maitland Pickers (W) | 1 | 0 | 2024 | — |
| Lakes United Seagulls (W) | 0 | 1 | — | 2024 |
Former Competitions
[edit]Open Grade
[edit]| Year | Premiers | Score | Runners-up | Match Information | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Venue | Referee | Video | ||||
| Newcastle Rugby League Third Grade (1955–80, 1984–96, 2001) | |||||||
| 1955 | South Newcastle (C) | 10 – 2 | Cessnock (C) | ||||
| 1956 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (C) | 10 – 9 | Cessnock (C) | ||||
| 1957 | Cessnock (C) | 14 – 7 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (C) | ||||
| 1958 | (2) South Newcastle (C) | 9 – 5 | Cessnock (C) | ||||
| 1959 | Lakes United Seagulls (C) | 13 – 7 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (C) | ||||
| 1960 | (2) Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (C) | 24 – 4 | Cessnock (C) | ||||
| 1961 | (3) Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (C) | 9 – 7 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (C) | ||||
| 1962 | (4) Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (C) | 13 – 11 | Lakes United Seagulls (C) | ||||
| 1963 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (C) | 15 – 0 | South Newcastle Lions (C) | ||||
| 1964 | (2) Western Suburbs Rosellas (C) | 28 – 6 | Kurri Kurri Cooks (C) | ||||
| 1965 | (3) Western Suburbs Rosellas (C) | 30 – 15 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (C) | ||||
| 1966 | (4) Western Suburbs Rosellas (C) | 41 – 0 | Kurri Kurri Cooks (C) | ||||
| 1967 | (5) Western Suburbs Rosellas (C) | 16 – 10 | Northern Suburbs Bluebags (C) | 26 August 1967 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | W. Humphries | |
| 1968 | (6) Western Suburbs Rosellas (C) | 12 – 0 | South Newcastle Lions (C) | ||||
| 1969 | (7) Western Suburbs Rosellas (C) | 23 – 16 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (C) | ||||
| 1970 | (8) Western Suburbs Rosellas (C) | 24 – 5 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (C) | ||||
| 1971 | (9) Western Suburbs Rosellas (C) | 13 – 8 | Lakes United Seagulls (C) | ||||
| 1972 | (10) Western Suburbs Rosellas (C) | 40 – 7 | South Newcastle Lions (C) | ||||
| 1973 | (3) South Newcastle Lions (C) | 16 – 15 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (C) | ||||
| 1974 | (5) Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (C) | 28 – 11 | Northern Suburbs Bluebags (C) | 15 September 1974 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Smith | |
| 1975 | Northern Suburbs Bluebags (C) | 16 – 9 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (C) | 14 September 1975 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | K. Marker | |
| 1976 | (11) Western Suburbs Rosellas (C) | 39 – 2 | Northern Suburbs Bluebags (C) | 12 September 1976 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Geddes | |
| 1977 | (6) Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (C) | 27 – 9 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (C) | ||||
| 1978 | (2) Lakes United Seagulls (C) | 18 – 11 | Cessnock Goannas (C) | 17 September 1978 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | M. Walsh | |
| 1979 | Central Charlestown Butcher Boys (C) | 10 – 9 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (C) | 16 September 1979 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | J. Manning | |
| 1980 | (12) Western Suburbs Rosellas (C) | 26 – 11 | Cessnock Goannas (C) | 14 September 1980 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | G. Tranter | |
| Newcastle Rugby League Under 23s (1981–83, 2013–14) | |||||||
| 1981 | Waratah-Mayfield Cheetahs (U23s) | 24 – 23 | Lakes United Seagulls (U23s) | 20 September 1981 | Newcastle No.1 Sportsground, Newcastle | R. Conley | |
| 1982 | (4) South Newcastle Lions (U23s) | 16 – 10 | Western Suburbs Rosellas (U23s) | ||||
| 1983 | (3) Lakes United Seagulls (U23s) | 30 – 14 | Macquarie Scorpions (U23s) | 11 September 1983 | Newcastle International Sports Centre, Newcastle | T. Garrett | |
| Newcastle Rugby League Third Grade (1955–80, 1984–96, 2001) | |||||||
| 1984 | (13) Western Suburbs Rosellas (C) | 17 – 0 | Maitland Pumpkin Pickers (C) | 9 September 1984 | Newcastle International Sports Centre, Newcastle | G. Newman | |
| 1985 | (2) Waratah-Mayfield Cheetahs (C) | Lakes United Seagulls (C) | 8 September 1985 | Newcastle International Sports Centre, Newcastle | R. Williams | ||
| 1986 | Kurri Kurri Bulldogs (C) | ||||||