The Upper Hunter will be strongly represented across three rugby league competitions this weekend, with local players featuring in the NRL, NRLW and State Championship finals.
In the NRL Grand Final, Brisbane Broncos will take on the Melbourne Storm at Accor Stadium on Sunday evening. Scone juniors Ben Talty and Jock Madden have been named in Brisbane’s extended squad. Talty, who played from the bench in the elimination final, has been shifted to 18th man following the return of Pat Carrigan, while Madden has also been included in the extended reserves list.
In the NRLW, Muswellbrook’s Brydie Parker will line up at fullback for the Sydney Roosters when they meet the Broncos in Sunday’s women’s decider. The former Rams junior has established herself as a key player in the Roosters backline.
Meanwhile, fellow Muswellbrook local Fletcher Baker will start at prop for the Burleigh Bears in the State Championship final. Baker helped the Bears to victory in last weekend’s Hostplus Cup Grand Final, defeating the Norths Devils 22–8.
The inclusion of Talty, Madden, Parker and Baker highlights the Hunter’s ongoing contribution to rugby league at the highest levels, with players from across the region continuing to shine on the national stage.
