The Cessnock Goannas and the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs will line up in all grades on Saturday for the annual pre-season grudge match, the Charity Shield.
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This year’s instalment will feature a number of Charity Shield debutants including Cessnock’s UK import Josh Adu-Dwumaa who hails from Manchester but has been playing in Leeds.
Bulldogs half-back Jade Porter also plays in his first Charity Shield, but his halves partner Sam Wooden experienced the unique atmosphere of the game with the Goannas.
Cessnock's controversial recruit Paul Carter is also a possible starter for Saturday’s clash.
Kurri forward Michael Steele, who had his first Charity Shield game as an under-six, and Cessnock captain-coach Al Lantry, who played with the Goannas from 2007-2014, said the game held a unique place in the hearts of the Coalfields rivals.
“I started in under-sixes and it was the biggest moment in your life to run out for the Bulldogs,” Steele said.
“I missed it while I was at the Knights. The whole town gets involved.”
Lantry said the Charity Shield was far more than a trial match for the two teams and their communities.
“It’s unique in that every team from under-sixes through to first grade contribute to the shield,” he said.
“I had a look and it was seven-all on the latest shield. I know Cessnock is keen to avenge last year’s loss at home to Kurri.”
Carter has been cleared to play for the Goannas by the Country Rugby League and is up for selection with Cessnock in the annual pre-season grudge match against Kurri Kurri.
Goannas secretary Cherie Douglas confirmed that Country Rugby League provided the final clearance for Carter late last week, ending a long-running saga to get the former Titan, Rabbitoh and Rooster cleared to play in the Newcastle Rugby League.
Douglas said the CRL’s approval and settling a fee with Group Two club Coffs Comets, who Carter was signed with last year, were the final steps in getting the forward cleared after NSW Rugby League declared they wouldn’t stand in his way.
“NSW Rugby League agreed it was a positive to put Paul into the competition, they’ve been extremely positive about us having Paul,” Douglas said.
While Cessnock coach Al Lantry hasn’t confirmed his side yet for Saturday, Douglas said it would be “awesome to have that as his first game”.
“Personally, I’m anticipating he’ll play,” she said.
The Charity Shield was introduced in 2003, with the club that accumulates the most wins for the day taking home the shield.
The honours are currently tied at 7-7 (the 2013 event was washed out).
Kurri Kurri currently holds the shield, winning the 2017 gala day with 21.5 points to Cessnock’s 19.5.
Saturday’s games start with the under-sixes and under-sevens at 8.30am, with first grade kicking off at 7.30pm.
This year’s beneficiary is the Hunter Melanoma Foundation. Entry is by gold coin.
CHARITY SHIELD DRAW: KURRI KURRI SPORTSGROUND, MARCH 17, 2018
BOTTOM GROUND
- 8.30am: Under-7s
- 9.15am: Under-7s
- 10am: Under-8s
- 10.45am: Under-8s
- 11.30am: Under-8s
- 12.15pm: Under-9s
- 1pm: Under-9s
- 1.45pm: Under-9s
- 2.30pm: Under-9s
MAIN GROUND
- 8.30am: Under-6s, Under 6-Red, Under-6 White and Under-6 Blue
- 9.15am: Under-10s
- 9.55am: Under-11s
- 10.35am: Under-12s
- 11.15am: Ladies League Tag
- 11.55am: Under-13s
- 12.45pm: Under-14s
- 1.35pm: Under-15s
- 2.25pm: Under-16s
- 3.15pm: Under-17s
- 4.05pm: Under-19s
- 5.10pm: Third grade
- 6.15pm: Reserve grade
- 7.30pm: First grade
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PLEASE NOTE: Times are subject to change and can be confirmed by your team’s coach or manager.