RFL Grand Finals: Under-17s

By James Matthey

A relentless Wagga Tigers outfit came away from Narrandera Sportsground with the RFL Under-17s premiership after a dominant performance in their Grand Final.

The Tigers proved too good for a valiant Temora side, who struggled to match the intensity and skill level of their highly-fancied opponents.

Wagga Tigers took control of the match from the first bounce and never let up, putting Temora to the sword and showing just why they headed into the decider as favourites after finishing the season as minor premiers.

The final 126-65 scoreline was an accurate reflection of the Tigers’ dominance from the first to the last quarter, racing to an early 25-7 lead before consolidating their position throughout the second term, heading into the main break with a 35-point advantage.

However, every time, the Tigers threatened to pull away and stretch their lead even further, Temora showed great courage to peg them back and stay in the hunt, with Jack Irvine showing great fighting spirit and leading the way for the Kangaroos.

Despite Temora’s desperation, the Tigers really began to show their class late in the third quarter, making their way into the final break up by 48 points.

The Tigers were almost in cruise control during the final term, flexing their muscle and reveling in the satisfaction of knowing that they had all but wrapped up the premiership trophy.

Wagga’s Connor Byrne was deemed best-on-ground in the end of season showpiece, spearheading his side to grand final glory, an achievement that was celebrated with gusto after the final siren with a rousing rendition of their club song.