In one of the most remarkable finishes to a game, the Lakes United Seagulls stole victory from the jaws of defeat to claim the Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL) under-19 crown.

With two minutes left on the clock, defending premiers Western Suburbs Rosellas broke a 10-all deadlock, thanks to a Kynan Toomey field goal, and appeared destined to claim the premiership once more.

But, someone forgot to tell Lakes.

Following a short kick-off, which they regathered, they stormed down the field and inspirational skipper Jed Rouse crashed his way over with less than 40 seconds remaining.

The thrilling 14-11 win also capped off a brilliant season for the Seagulls, who remained unbeaten in 2023.

“That was terrific,” an ecstatic coach Adam Brown said.

“The boys boast a never-say-die attitude… and they showed that [today].

“It wasn’t our prettiest performance, but we’ve hung in tough all year.

“And, now, we have done it again.”

Brown admitted Lakes had kept a lid on the team’s success in the lead-up to the decider.

“We never spoke about it [staying undefeated] previously,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“To be honest, we didn’t want the guys to get too far ahead of themselves.

“We just stayed focused on what was in front of us.

“They’re a fantastic group of players and to not lose a game is a special moment for them.

“I’m extremely proud of everyone.”

In fairness, Wests probably didn’t deserve to lose either, however the youngsters will learn from the experience as they progress to the next level.

All-in-all, the standard of the grand final – and the talent on show – should hold both senior clubs in good stead moving forward.

Respective first grade mentors Ian “Bubba” Bourke and Rick Stone watched on from the stands; and would have been pleased with what they witnessed.

The Rosellas led 4-0 early when winger Mitchell Connors touched down.

But, the Seagulls levelled up at 4-all 20 minutes later through rival No 5 Charlie Hennessy, which remained the scoreline until half-time.

Lakes hit the front 10-4, courtesy of gifted hooker Wil Swain and a conversion to Jacob Marshall.

Wests, however, replied almost immediately through Ashton Daley. Tyrese Gordon added the extras to make it 10-all.

Then, with time slipping away fast, Toomey landed what many people thought was the killer blow.

But, it wasn’t meant to be with man of the match Rouse sending the Seagulls’ personnel and supporters into a frenzy.

“I can’t believe it,” he said afterwards.

“That’s just the best feeling in the world.

“All the guys deserve this [win].”

• LAKES UNITED SEAGULLS 14 (Charlie Hennessy, Wil Swain, Jes Rouse tries; Jacob Marshall goal) defeated WESTERN SUBURBS ROSELLAS 11 (Mitchell Connors, Ashton Daley tries; Tyrese Gordon goal, Kynan Toomey field goal)

Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League

2023 grand final results:

• Denton Engineering Cup: Maitland Pickers d South Newcastle Lions 46-10
• Reserve grade: Western Suburbs Rosellas d Maitland Pickers 14-6
• Under-19s: Lakes United Seagulls d Western Suburbs Rosellas 14-11

For more sports stories:

• REAL NRL: Pickers honour ‘Crito’ after successful title defence
• A GOOD SPORT: Knights stay solid… and it pays off
• Luke Pepper’s Opal Ridge hoping to master Kosciuszko

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