The undefeated Narrandera Lizards will look to go back-to-back when tackling the Joel Thompson-inspired Ivanhoe Roosters in Goolgowi on Saturday (29 July), in a re-match of the 2022 Proten Cup Grand Final.
It’s somewhat of a David and Goliath story, reigning premiers Narrandera, who defeated Ivanhoe 20-14 in last season's decider, have been the team to beat in 2023.
The Lizards made a statement in their major semi-final beating Hillston 30-12.
In stark contrast, the Roosters struggled in fourth position on the ladder after five rounds and faced the possibility of missing the finals altogether following a 24-18 loss to the Lizards.
Since then, Ivanhoe has gone on a three-game winning streak, beating Barellan 38-18 in Round Six to finish fourth and qualify for finals.
A double bonus for Ivanhoe is that Roosters women’s team has also reached the Grand Final and will play Barellan in the lead-up game at 1pm with kick-off in the men’s at 2pm.
Former NSWRL director William ‘Smiley’ Johnstone says the Ivanhoe Roosters have enjoyed a proud history although successes have been few and far between.
They won the Reserve Grade competition in 1976 and after 47 years are trying to bring the First Grade trophy to the small town south of Wilcannia.
“They played in a First Grade grand final in 1987, when I played with them. We were beaten by the Hillston Bluebirds… still remember it,” Johnstone said
“I will be wearing my Ivanhoe Roosters jersey. It’s only a small place but just about everyone who plays there maintains the connection with the place.
“It’s had strong Rugby League roots over many years.”
The pride was on show when the Roosters – backs against the wall - trekked to Narrandera and stormed back from 14-12 down to defeat Goolgowi 22-14 in their elimination Semi-Final.
Last weekend the Roosters played in Hillston, and they fired up again in their Preliminary Final, knocking off Hillston 26-4.
Ivanhoe coach Kodie Charles acknowledged that his side had taken the road less travelled, but he had full confidence in his squad's ability.
"It's pretty special making two Grand Finals in a row," he said.
"It's no secret that we did it tough and had to come from fourth place after we hit a bit of a rough patch.
"The main thing is, we are hitting our straps at the right time of the year."
Ivanhoe has finished runners-up twice in the Group 17 competition - in 1959 when beaten by Hay and again in 1987 when beaten by Hillston.
"I think if we can put our best foot forward and play mistake-free footy, we can win," he said.
"Narrandera is a good side, and it will come down to defence and the forward battle."
Helping that cause greatly will be the Roosters’ not-so-secret weapon in former NRL star Joel Thompson, who has been travelling to-and-from the Gold Coast to play for his beloved Ivanhoe.
The hard-working forward did injure his hamstring in Saturday's win over Hillston, but he'll be back on deck as the Roosters chase Premiership glory.
"He's right; Joel has already been looked at, and he is good to go," Charles said.
"He's been great for us, and it's not just his footy, but his talk off the field and in the lead-up to games … it's been a huge bonus having him involved this season."
While Ivanhoe happily own the underdog tag, the Lizards enter the decider as overwhelming favourites.
"We did go through undefeated and it puts a big target on our back," Narrandera Lizards coach Kye Longford said.
"Ivanhoe has gone under the radar a bit, and there won't be the same pressure on them.
“But they have come good at the right time, and they have got that good mix of young blokes and a few experienced players to lead them around."
Albeit reigning premiers, Longford explained this year's side is very different from the team that lifted the Proten Cup trophy in 2022.
"Last year, we did it on raw talent and many individual moments," Longford said.
"This year, it has been completely different, and similar to Ivanhoe, we've got those young kids there. But with a lot of good, older heads guiding them, I think our footy has reflected that really good mix of players."
The Proten Cup women's Grand Final has the undefeated Barellan tackle Ivanhoe.
Barellan gave glimpses of why they have been the team to beat all season in their Major Semi-Final, defeating Ivanhoe 16-6 to qualify for the Grand Final.
The Roosters bounced back in their Preliminary Final, knocking off reigning premiers Narrandera 18-10 to book their place on Saturday.
