Finals Week Three wrap: Sydney Shield

Penrith Brothers have locked their spot in for the 2024 Sydney Shield Grand Final after defeating Ryde-Eastwood Hawks 38-16 in today’s Preliminary Final at St Marys Leagues Stadium.

A strong first half from Brothers proved to be the difference with Penrith establishing a commanding 24-0 lead at half-time, which was too big a deficit for the Hawks to reel in.

Brothers will now face Wentworthville United next Saturday in the 2024 Grand Final at Leichhardt Oval, while the Hawks bow out of the 2024 season.

Preliminary Final: (5th) Penrith Brothers 38 def. (2nd) Ryde-Eastwood Hawks 16

Brothers winger Michael Pomona took full advantage of the good field position from an early penalty, stepping around defenders to score (6-0).

With all the momentum, Brothers extended their lead to 18-0 through two quick tries to five-eighth Donovan Boney and lock Noah Nailagoliva.

Brothers hooker Soakimi Fakaua was the next to score, darting out of dummy-half to touch down underneath the posts (24-0).

The remaining 15 minutes saw set-for-set football being played with both teams struggling to break through the defensive line. They headed into the break with the score remaining 24-0.

The Hawks came out of the blocks firing in the second half, scoring in the opening three minutes after sending the ball out to the right for winger Josh Rizk to score (24-4).

The Hawks were over again only four minutes later, this time sending the ball down the left for centre Elijah Pettit-Young to score followed by another four-pointer in the 51st minute to Penaia Leveleve (24-16).

Brothers hit back in the 69th minute through fullback Dean Kammel who also found space out on the left, stepping back on his inside to extend the lead to 30-16.

The Hawks never gave up but a late penalty goal and try to second-rower Lachlan Whitehouse sawBrotherssaw Brothers seal a 38-16 win.