A short trip on the Hunter Expressway has already paid huge dividends for Will Nieuwenhuise, James Bradley… and the Maitland Pickers.
Just a handful of years ago, the Singleton Greyhounds youngsters were stars on the rise in Group 21, the former as a blockbusting fullback and the latter a gifted playmaker in the halves.
Then COVID intervened.
The talented pair soon found themselves in Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL), with Denton Engineering Cup and NSW President’s Cup medals around their necks.
And, the duo hasn’t looked back.
This weekend, Nieuwenhuise and Bradley will again line-up for the Pickers – as wingers – in their clash with the South Newcastle Lions at McDonald Jones Stadium.
They’ll lock horns against respective first grade rivals Jacob Afflick and Jhett Butler.
“It’s (the move) been awesome,” Nieuwenhuise said.
“Growing up in Singleton, I loved all my footy there.
“So, it was sort of the next progression to come down here.
“I always want to become a better player, no matter where I am, and be part of a good club.
“Obviously, with the success we’ve had the past couple of years, it’s been great (at Maitland).
“It’s also a matter of testing yourself against the best.
“Ever since I started playing footy, I’ve always been keen to progress and challenge myself.
“I just feel like Newcastle Rugby League is such a strong competition, especially the past few seasons.
“So, to be able to have the success and push myself [down here] has been awesome.
“Don’t get me wrong, I loved my time at the Greyhounds and have some great memories there.
“However, making the move to Maitland has certainly been worth it.”
It’s a sentiment shared by his partner in crime Bradley.
“This is our fourth year here, but it was a big transition at the start,” he said.
“I mean, it’s a different level of footy… it’s more professional, training is more full-on and you must have more commitment.
“But, at the same time, I’ve loved every bit of it.
“The culture at the Pickers is great, too; it’s a family-orientated club.
“I think we all feel the same way… the players bring their kids, their partners, everyone gets along.
“And, we’re supported by a terrific coaching staff.”
Both boys admitted having each other at Maitland was a godsend… and allowed them to adapt quicker to their new surroundings.
It’s brought out the best in their footy as well.
“I came down halfway through the COVID year when Group 21 didn’t go ahead,” Nieuwenhuise told the Newcastle Weekly.
“So, having a familiar face in Jimmy here helped heaps; obviously, we’re best mates.
“We’ve had many, many car trips and fun times.
“It’s also been awesome to continue my footy journey with him.
“Now, we get the chance to play in another grand final together.
“It won’t be easy on Saturday, Souths have proven to be a strong adversary.
“They’ve really put us to the test in the past couple of games.
“Across the board, you can’t fault them at all.
“However, if we just stick to our process and what we know works, I think we’ll be okay and, hopefully, get the job done.”
As for Bradley, he’d like to be part of something special at the Pickers, after the side prevailed in 2022.
“To be honest, I want this one more than last year,” he said.
“It would be great to go back-to-back, not many teams get the chance to do it.
“So, I think, this decider probably means a lot more to the people at the club.
“Just to really prove that we’re playing our best footy… and we’re one of the top organisations in NSW.
“We are keen to leave a legacy here; it’s something we’ve spoken about.
“We’d like to cement our place as one of the best sides in Maitland’s history.
“And, we have a great opportunity to do it this weekend.
“We all love the club.
“So, if we can do that (win again), it’s good for the community and good for the players, too.”
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: Lions powerhouse Afflick eyes grand final prize
- REAL NRL: A Jolly good time for commentary duo
- REAL NRL: Lions primed to pounce in GF, says Dureau
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