Stories
News from the Newcastle Rugby League and stories from its history, with Cessnock at the centre.
Guide
Newcastle Hunter Rugby League: find the right competition and draw
Newcastle and Hunter Community Rugby League and Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League are distinct competitions. Before using a draw or ladder, match the association, season and grade to the team you follow.
History
2020: Cessnock end a 17-year drought at Maitland
Cessnock beat South Newcastle 20-6 at Maitland Sportsground to win the 2020 Newcastle Rugby League premiership, four tries to one, their first title since 2003.
History
2003: Cessnock end a 26-year wait, 22-20 over Raymond Terrace
Cessnock won the 2003 Newcastle Rugby League grand final 22-20 against Raymond Terrace at No. 1 Sportsground, their first premiership since 1977, with fullback Lance Lennard scoring the winning try.
History
1954: Cessnock beat a short-handed Maitland, and no grand final was needed
Cessnock won the 1954 premiership by beating Maitland 15-13 in the final before a record 12,373, completing a senior double.
History
1950: Cessnock's pack beats Central at Maitland
Nine years after their first title, Cessnock won the 1950 premiership 19-12 over Central Newcastle, in a grand final moved to Maitland Showground.
History
Cessnock's first premiership, and the crowd that came to see it
In September 1941 Cessnock beat South Newcastle 18-3 to win the Newcastle Rugby League premiership for the first time, eleven seasons after joining the competition.
News
South Newcastle end Maitland's run in an extra-time grand final
Souths won the 2026 Newcastle Rugby League premiership 18-16 after extra time, stopping Maitland's bid for a fifth straight title.
History
The season Newcastle beat England twice
In 1954 the touring Great Britain side lost two matches in the Hunter, and Cessnock fullback Dave Parkinson kicked the goals in both.