The Maitland Pickers are bringing a lot of pride as well as points-scoring ability to CommBank Stadium on Sunday, when they wrestle the Hills Bulls for the 2022 President Cup trophy.
The COVID_19 pandemic caused plenty of disruption in regional as well as metropolitan Rugby League circles leading to a modified Presidents Cup competition in 2020. The Pickers were the last club to win the Cup in 2020 with the competition unable to be contested in 2021.
“That was a special time in our club’s history,” Pickers coach Matt Lantry said.
“What was a pretty dire time with COVID and all, turned out to be a real positive for Rugby League in Maitland.
“It’s something we’re proud of and would very much like to defend.”
The Presidents Cup this season has been a true state championship event as it brings the best club from each of the four areas – the Ron Massey Cup (Central Conference), Mojo Homes Illawarra Cup (Southern Conference), Denton Engineering Cup (Northern Conference) and the Peter McDonald Premiership (Western Conference) – through to Semi-finals followed by a Grand Final.
Hills Bulls, who beat the Glebe Dirty Reds to be crowned for Ron Massey Cup champions, have put their celebrations to one side to concentrate on a second trophy for 2022.
“We saw a little of the Pickers semi last week so we’re not taking them lightly, that’s for sure,” Bulls half Coby Thomas said.
“We will focus on our energy and attitude before the game and during it and I think we’ll be alright.”
The Pickers arrive with plenty of momentum. They scored 134 points and conceded just 24 in the 42-14 Semi-final and 40-4 Grand Final victories over the Macquarie Scorpions in the Denton Engineering Cup, followed by a 52-6 victory over the Forbes Magpies in the Presidents Cup Semi-final.
“We’re not the biggest team but we’re a skilful team that isn’t afraid to use the ball,” Lantry said.
“The thing that’s pleased me the most over the past few weeks is our defence.
“So, we haven’t leaked a lot of points, and that’s similar to Hills with near the same for-and-against as us. It’s why it will be a cracking contest on Sunday.
The Pickers have the services of former NRL halfback Brock Lamb but Lantry also praises his hooker – and captain – Alex Langbridge, who is up against Ron Massey Cup 2022 Player of the Year, Brad Keighran.
“Alex is a tremendous leader with skills of the highest quality,” Lantry said.
“He’s an on-field coach for us as his assessment of the game is second to none. He leads by his actions and with his speed he’s a real threat around the ruck.”
Thomas says the Bulls have some firepower in centre Tui Afualo’s strong running out the back combined with the experience of props Tim Robinson and Taniela Lasalo up front.
“Then there’s our hooker Brad Keighran,” Thomas said.
“He’s massive for us because he provides perfect service and he’s a really good goalkicker as well.
“We’re very tight as a team and we work great together as a unit. That’s why we’ve had so much success this year because we’re all good mates and love doing it for each other.”
The Bulls indeed set the benchmark in Ron Massey Cup – 15 wins from 16 games.
“We had a really good year – we were pretty dominant although there were a couple of close games,” Thomas said.
Thomas played lock and hooker when he came off the bench for Ron Massey Cup Grand Final. He’s been named in the halves the past two weekends due to a couple of suspensions from that game.
“I haven’t played in the halves for a while,” he said.
“It’s nothing foreign to me. I played a lot of halfback in the Juniors at Hills and at Roosters in Junior Reps so I’m really excited to go out there this weekend and showcase my football as a half.”
