Hunter Gridiron League Kicks Off with Debut and Rematch Drama
The Hunter Gridiron League's tenth season has commenced with a mix of debut excitement and intense rivalry, as the Maitland Tigers entered the competition and the Marauders faced off in a highly anticipated grand final rematch.
Maitland Tigers Show Promise Despite Loss in First Game
The league's newest team, the Maitland Tigers, experienced a challenging introduction to the Hunter Gridiron League, falling 35-6 to the Central Coast Sharks at Dangar Park on Sunday. Despite the scoreline, coach Jack Tessier emphasised the positive aspects of their inaugural performance.
"I think it went well," Tessier said. "It was the first time a lot of these guys were playing together. It was a tough game, a physical game up front, and I think our guys played pretty well considering the score."
He added that the match provided a valuable learning experience, highlighting areas for improvement and serving as a foundation for growth. The Tigers, who have attracted approximately thirty players in their debut season, now face another formidable challenge as they prepare to host the defending champions, the Marauders, in Woodberry next weekend.
However, their lineup may be impacted by the ejection of fullback Owen Lewis during the game. Lewis was removed after throwing his helmet following a physical altercation with a Central Coast player, and the team awaits the outcome of this incident to determine his availability for the upcoming match.
Marauders Succumb in Tight Grand Final Rematch
In a separate fixture, the Marauders were narrowly defeated 28-24 by the South Newcastle Bombers in a thrilling grand final rematch at Dangar Park on Saturday. The Bombers established a 20-8 lead by half-time and managed to withstand a late surge from the Marauders to secure the victory.
This result sets the stage for an intriguing encounter as the Marauders, a consistent threat in the Hunter Bowl, welcome the newcomers next weekend. Tessier acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead, stating, "It's gonna be a tough challenge against the reigning champions next weekend. They are a consistent Hunter Bowl threat. But we look forward to it, and we just need to play with composure, play to our strengths and keep up what we're doing. We have a lot of positives."
League Expansion and Growing Interest in Gridiron
The addition of the Maitland Tigers has expanded the Hunter Gridiron League to four teams, with rounds scheduled as double-headers across eight Saturdays. This marks a return to a four-team format after recent seasons were played with only three teams.
Interest in gridiron is on the rise both locally and across Australia, partly driven by the upcoming debut of flag football at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Flag football, a non-contact version of the sport, is gaining traction, and the Hunter Gridiron League has responded by introducing a mixed summer flag competition. Additionally, a new junior flag competition is set to launch in Maitland in March, further promoting the sport at grassroots levels.
As the season progresses, fans can expect more competitive action and development within the league, with teams building on early performances and adapting to the evolving landscape of Australian gridiron.
