Alex Langbridge admits he’s wary about the danger the South Newcastle Lions poses to the Maitland Pickers’ premiership defence.

Even though the Matt Lantry-coached outfit is eyeing off back-to-back Denton Engineering Cups at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday 2 September, the Merewether club has been a constant thorn in its side.

Every time Maitland appears to get the better of Souths, their rivals refuse to surrender.

It was a similar story in the Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League major semi-final, with the Pickers holding on to win 24-22.

And, Langbridge is expecting more of the same this weekend.

“In a sense, they are getting closer to us, that’s fair to say,” he acknowledged.

“They probably deserve the credit… and they are there [in the decider] for a reason.

“The Lions have been on fire at the end of the season and they would have walked away from that game thinking they were unlucky.

“And, rightfully so.

“You can only play as good as your opposition lets you, but we do need to be better.

“Hopefully, we will.

“They’re a tough side, with quality across the park, so it’s a real test for us.

“It’s arguably one of the biggest challenges we’ve had in the past four years.

“So, it’s exciting.

“But, it is also something we’ll embrace.

“These are the matches, and huge occasions, you want to win.

“There’s going to be a big crowd on hand with plenty of Maitland people that we want to do proud.

“We’ve got to feed off that, especially when it gets tough – which will happen, and make sure we secure the result.”

Langbridge said there was plenty of motivation for the Pickers to shine, too.

Less than a week ago, the Maitland Blacks broke a 24-year drought to lift the trophy in Hunter Rugby.

“That was awesome, it’s great to see other local teams succeed,” the gifted hooker told the Newcastle Weekly.

“That includes the Saints in Hunter-Central Coast AFL and the Magpies in NPL Northern Football, who reached the play-offs.

“It’s brilliant and showcases Maitland as a sports town.

“I think rugby league is at the head of that, so we want to continue on with what has been a terrific year for the community.”

The Pickers leader said the mood in the club was especially buoyant, with the reserve grade side also qualifying for its grand final, against the Western Suburbs Rosellas.

“It’s really special,” Langbridge explained.

“They obviously got eliminated last year, however a few of the boys helped the firsts with training.

“So, our preparation this time around has been better because they’re with us.

“Everyone’s thrilled for them and it’s great to have two teams chasing titles.

“We’re feeding off each other’s energy.

“As much as we’ve got a job to do for Maitland, it’s a big community day and it’s a big club day.

“And, I’m super proud of the reggies.

“However, we’re now focusing on what we’ve got to do, too.

“We’d love to forge a legacy at the Pickers.

“That’s been a big part of what’s driven us this year.

“It’s always hard to compare generations, particularly when you talk about Maitland in the 1960s and 70s, when Newcastle Rugby League was one of the premier competitions in the country… and the world.

“It would be incredible, for the current crop of players, to continue on the work they did.

“If we can win, it will certainly be another step forward in being considered at least one of the best [sides] in the club’s history.”

Denton Engineering Cup line-ups:

• Maitland Pickers: Daniel Langbridge, Will Nieuwenhuise, Matt Soper-Lawler, Gary Anderson, James Bradley, Chad O’Donnell, Brock Lamb, Jayden Butterfield, Alex Langbridge, James Taylor, Reid Alchin, Lincoln Smith, Sam Anderson, Luke Knight, Harrison Spruce, Faitotoa Faitotoa, Mitchell Cullen, Daniel Ticehurst
• South Newcastle Lions: Reeve Howard, Jacob Afflick, Harry Van Dartel, Jhett Butler, Jarrod Flanagan, Ryan Glanville, Angus Ernst, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Mitch Black, Brendon Simpson, Lewis Hamilton, Harry Croker, Jack Welsh, Jarom Haines, Justin Afflick, Carlin Pettet, Lochlan Piper, Marshall Sing, Connor Browne, Zac Browne, Campbell Scott

Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League

2023 play-offs:

Preliminary final results

• Denton Engineering Cup: South Newcastle Lions d Cessnock Goannas 28-22
• Reserve grade: Western Suburbs Rosellas d Cessnock Goannas 22-8
• Under-19s: Western Suburbs Rosellas d Maitland Pickers 20-12

Grand final draw

Saturday 2 September

McDonald Jones Stadium

• Gates open: 9.45am
• Under-19s: 10.15am – Lakes United Seagulls v Western Suburbs Rosellas
• Reserve grade: Noon – Maitland Pickers v Western Suburbs Rosellas
• Denton Engineering Cup: 2pm – Maitland Pickers v South Newcastle Lions

For more sports stories:

• REAL NRL: Seagulls, Rosellas’ young guns ready to fire in U19 decider
• REAL NRL: Plenty at stake in reserve grade finale
• REAL NRL: Nieuwenhuise, Bradley winging it for the Maitland Pickers

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.