It’s set to be a colossal local derby clash against the NSW Cup Knights and the Wyong Roos in the NSW Cup grand final at Pirtek Stadium on Sunday.
Sunday’s decider will mark the third encounter between the two sides, with the Knights surely eager for redemption after suffering two narrow defeats.
In Round 3 the Knights were on the wrong end of the 18-6 scoreline at Morry Breen Oval.
Then in Round 19 on home turf, it was a desperately close 28-26 loss to the Roos in a passionate and entertaining clash at Newcastle’s No. 2 Sports Ground.
The Knights dominated much of that match, but were overtaken in the back end of the game.
While NSW Cup coach Matt Lantry acknowledges the challenge ahead, he has no doubt the Knights have what it takes to lift the trophy after gathering powerful momentum and strong form during the sudden death finals series.
“It will be a really tough ask, they finished second and missed the minor premiership by one point in relation to their for and against to Mounties," Lantry said.
“They are a quality outfit with their first grade team going as well as what they are, there’s plenty of NRL quality with their team back with the NSW Cup.
“They present a really tough forward pack and under Rip Taylor will play a really tough and aggressive style of footy and will have to be prepared to combat that a little bit and be just as aggressive back.
“We will need to be sure that we control the ruck, because Mitch Williams is the biggest danger in dummy half and his acceleration to get them on the front foot."
The NSW Cup Knights will train on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday before travelling to the game on Sunday.
Gates open at 11.20am with the NSW Cup grand final kicking off at 4.15pm following the Sydney Shield and Ron Massey Cup.
Adult tickets are just $10, with kids under 12 free. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets now.
Sid Fogg's has planned a NSW Cup grand final bus to Pirtek Stadium which will cost $40 return. A minimum of 25 people are required for the trip to proceed. Call 49281088 for more details or to book your spot.
