The South Newcastle Lions are determined to upset the Maitland Pickers’ quest for back-to-back titles, according to skipper Ryan Glanville.

And, he believes the Andrew “Bobcat” Ryan-mentored side has already proven to the pundits it’s got the personnel to do so when they head into battle for the Denton Engineering Cup at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday 2 September.

In three Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League clashes in 2023, the defending premiers have prevailed on each occasion, 20-12 in the third round and 24-10 on Sleapy’s Day last month.

Then, a fortnight ago, Maitland pipped a fast-finishing Souths 24-22 in an entertaining major semi-final.

That effort, Glanville said, will spur on his chargers.

“We’ve been getting close to them every time,” he explained.

“So, we’re quietly confident… you always are heading into a game.

“However, there’s plenty of belief among the boys.

“You train hard during the year for such a match as this.

“So, we’re confident in what we’ve been doing from pre-season all the way through to now.

“We’ve worked extremely hard, while a lot of boys have done extras as well.

“Now, it comes down to 80 minutes and how badly you want it.

“Quite simply, we want it.”

But, Glanville, man of the match in his last outing, knows it won’t be easy.

“Focusing on ourselves is the first priority,” he said.

“And, we need to do all the little things right, straight from the kick-off.

“We’ve got to be better with the ball.

“We can’t afford to turn it over against a quality team like Maitland.

“Plus, we have to take our chances when they arise.

“I think, the last couple of times we’ve played them, we probably haven’t taken our opportunities.

“They don’t come along very often when you tackle the Pickers.

“So, we need to ice those moments, otherwise it’s going to be a tough day.”

The Lions left it to the latter stages to eliminate the Cessnock Goannas 28-22 in the preliminary final.

Souths trailed 20-10 in the second half before rallying with three tries.

“We probably didn’t really want to do that, however that’s finals footy,” Glanville told the Newcastle Weekly.

“You must be ready to play 80 minutes because you’re up against quality sides each week.

“I’m sure it’ll be no different this weekend when we meet Maitland.

“I guess it also highlighted our never-say-die attitude.

“That’s what we’re built here [at the Lions].

“We’re a family club… and everyone gets behind each other.

“I actually think it transitions into our matches.

“That resolve began shining through about half-way through the season.

“At the time, our biggest let-down during games was our defence and turning the ball over, giving away silly penalties.

“If we’re going to keep doing that, our tenacity had to be good, too.

“Now, it’s all about competing until the end.

“As long as you’re in the match, there’s plenty of belief.

“Thankfully, everyone pulled up fine (after Cessnock), there were no injuries from the game.

“So, our preparation’s been good… we’re good to go.”

Another motivating factor for Souths is popular prop Brendon Simpson, who’s hanging up the boots.

“At the end of the day, we all want to be crowned the champions for 2023,” Glanville said.

“However, we’re keen to do it for Simmo, too.

“He’s been so great for this club.

“Even though he’s retiring, I’m sure he’ll be hanging around for many more years.

“He’s a great fellow and it’ll be sad to see him go, but we want to send him out a winner.”

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: Plenty at stake in reserve grade finale
• REAL NRL: Seagulls, Rosellas’ young guns ready to fire in U19 decider
• REAL NRL: Lions powerhouse Afflick eyes grand final prize

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