The Goannas took out not only the first grade premiership with a 21-17 win over Maitland, but also the reserve grade and under-18s titles in 1977.

As fate would have it, the Goannas’ final home game for 2017 season will be against the Pickers.

Saturday’s game will be Old Boys Day, and rugby league fans are invited to come along and reminisce about that famous win.

Club president Damo Evans said it’s a significant occasion to remember.

“It was such a momentous day, winning first grade, reserves and under-18s,” he said.

“It was a totally different game back then.

“It would be really great to see a big crowd on Saturday to rally behind the club.” 

The Goannas will don replica jerseys featuring the club’s 1977 sponsor, Oak.

As club historian Phil Baird recalled in his 2011 book The Goanna Legend, the Cessnock was one of the first country teams to adopt this type of sponsorship, promoting the dairy company’s products where possible.

Goannas sponsorship and marketing coordinator Brett McLennan worked will Penrith Panthers general manager Phil Gould to get Oak’s approval for the commemorative jerseys.

McLennan said Saturday is sure to be a great day for the club.

“It’s a celebration of what happened back then and recognition of the players involved,” he said.

The Oak jerseys were available for sale, with a portion of the profits to be donated to the Mark Hughes Foundation.

The 40th anniversary celebrations will continue at Cessnock Leagues Club on Saturday night with a reunion dinner for anyone who has been involved with the club over the years.

Saturday’s game against Maitland will be a special occasion for club stalwart Chris Pyne, who will notch up his 250th grade game for the Goannas (read more here).

Take a look back at footage of the 1977 grand final (including the famous ‘biff’ between a pumpkin and a goanna) in the Facebook post below.