MALLABULA Panthers are daring to dream in the Newcastle Hunter Rugby League D Grade Northern Division competition.
Matt Sheals’ rampant charges are gearing up for this Saturday’s Grand Final qualifier against minor premiers Stroud Raiders after toppling rivals Clarence Town Cobras twice in the space of seven days.
The resurgent Panthers downed the second ranked Cobras 20-16 in a qualifying final last Saturday at Tomaree Sports Ground to set up a tantalising showdown with title favourites Stroud.
It was another spirited performance by the Mallabula warriors, who secured third spot with a 16-8 triumph over Clarence Town at their home base at Mallabula Sporting Complex the previous weekend.
Sharp centre Byron Lutelu and fullback Noah Chisholme capped strong games with crucial tries and crafty half back Jayden Newson booted two conversions to orchestrate a stirring Panthers victory.
Mallabula’s vaunted forward pack led by props Hayden Thompson, Dylan Long, Jayden Barnes, Harry Pickles, hooker Mitchell Barr, second rowers Jack O’Neill, Jake Lawrence, Kayle Gordon and inspirational lock and skipper Tim Crowther have laid the foundations with powerhouse performances in recent weeks.
Skilful halves Newson, Corey Sheals and Dylan Maher have sparked the attack during the Panthers’ mid-season revival.
After an injury riddled start to their 2025 campaign the Mallabula side have strung together seven victories from their past eight matches to zoom into title calculations.
The Raiders and Panthers have yet to lock horns on field this season after an injury ravaged Mallabula were forced to forfeit their round nine fixture back on June 21.
Clint Osborne’s talented Stroud line up are still the team to beat for this year’s trophy.
After losing their first two matches against Waratah Mayfield and Clarence Town (22-16), the enterprising Raiders have remained unbeaten and have shown their class and power during a ten match winning streak.
In the D Grade Northern elimination final, Morpeth Bulls tipped out Waratah-Mayfield 17-16 in a thriller at Mallabula Sporting Complex.
Smart fullback Joseph Cromarty proved the hero – slotting a dramatic field goal with three minutes left on the clock to break the deadlock and keep the Bulls alive in the title race.
By Chris KARAS
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
