Luke Cunningham has confirmed he will remain as coach of Maitland for the 2025 Hunter Rugby Union season, following the Blacks' first premiership in 24 years. The side defeated Merewether 32-26 in the grand final a fortnight ago to complete a major-minor premiership.
Cunningham, who will enter his fourth season at the helm, said the emotional victory and community support made it impossible to walk away. "We knew the history we were trying to achieve," he said. "The vibe in the place was something I had never experienced before. It fuelled the fire to go again."
The majority of the grand final squad is expected to return, with only Nathan Pili likely to depart for rugby league. Cunningham noted the club has young talent coming through, including NSW Country under-18s representatives in the nine, ten and outside back positions.
As premiers, Cunningham acknowledged the challenge of defending the title. "It brings a different type of pressure knowing you are the premiers," he said. "We won 11 straight. That puts a target on your back." Despite the competition shrinking to six clubs after Singleton and Nelson Bay dropped to suburban rugby in 2023, Cunningham believes the quality remains high. "If anything the brutality of the week-in, week-out has made it more difficult," he said.
