Bulldogs to host first rugby league grand final in three decades

Gunnedah Bulldogs will host the Group 4 Rugby League grand final for the first time in 31 years after edging out minor premiers Moree Boars 22–20 in a thrilling semi-final at Broughton Oval.

The Bulldogs are now just one win away from ending a 28-year premiership drought, with the decider to be played at Kitchener Park on Saturday 6 September.

Gunnedah last hosted the Group 4 grand final in 1995 and claimed its most recent first grade premiership in 1998.

The 1998 grand final was originally scheduled to be played in Gunnedah but flooding forced the match to be moved to Narrabri, where the Bulldogs defeated Wee Waa.

The women’s tackle side will also contest the grand final, creating the possibility of both Bulldogs teams claiming premierships in the same season for the first time.

Club president David McCann said the return of the grand final to Gunnedah was a significant

moment for the club and the wider community.

“It’s unbelievable when you think about it, it’s been a long time since we’ve hosted,” McCann said.

“The whole town is in a bit of a buzz at the moment, we get a lot of good support from our locals, so it should be a big day.”

The semi-final was a tight contest from start to finish, with no more than six points separating the sides at any stage.

Halfback Sam Taylor held his nerve to kick the winning penalty goal in the 76th minute.

Fullback Dylan Lake was also instrumental, scoring two tries after finishing the regular season as the competition’s leading try-scorer.

McCann described it as one of the best Group 4 games he had seen in a long time, with five-eighth Ezra Gibson another major contributor.

“He had a massive game, defensively and in attack,” McCann said.

“He’s a pretty special player and it was a game where you were never really sure what was going to happen next.”

Hosting the grand final is also expected to give the Bulldogs a valuable home-ground advantage.

McCann said the team had performed strongly at home this season and would benefit from a week off and not having the extra travel.

“You just don’t have that hassle of getting up and getting to wherever you go,” he said.

“It’s a lot more relaxed preparation this week, too. You’re on your home soil, where you’re most comfortable.”

The Bulldogs will play the winner of the preliminary final this weekend between the Boars and Dungowan Cowboys.

The women will play either Moree or Kootingal Moonbi, while the under-18s were eliminated after a 26–10 loss to North Tamworth in the minor semi-final.

McCann said the women’s side had embraced the club’s first full Group 4 women’s tackle competition and were relishing the opportunity to play on grand final day.

“They’re just so excited to be playing the game,” he said. “Every week they’re just loving being there.”