While there is no revenge for a grand final loss, Cessnock will relish the chance to eliminate 2019 grand final conquerors Western Suburbs to book a spot in the 2020 Newcastle RL tier one decider.
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The Rosellas were confirmed as the Goannas' opponents in the elimination semi-final after a round of upsets on the weekend headed by Wests handing Wyong their first defeat of the season, running out 18-12 winners at Harker Oval on Sunday.
The win propels Wests to third on the ladder, jumping South Newcastle who in another upset could only manage a 20-all draw with Lakes United.
Wests have the bye and Souths, who were to face Central Newcastle, will collect two points after Central's withdrawal from first grade.
Cessnock host Lakes in the final round but cannot be displaced from second spot.
However, after just one game in the past month - a 34-16 win against Maitland - the Goannas will be super keen for a strong outing against Lakes to tune up for the cut-throat final against Wests on the weekend of October 10-11.
Wyong, who have already collected the minor premiership, face Maitland at Maitland in the final round.
Saturday's fixtures against Lakes will be the last game of the season for the Goannas reserves and Blues Tag teams who enjoyed mixed results at Cessnock Sportsground on Saturday.
The reserves lost 22-6 to Kurri Kurri in their Coalfields derby, however, in the first draw of the season Cessnock and Nelson Bay could not be separated finishing 18-all in Blues Tag.
Cessnock's under-16 division one side celebrated a premiership double with a 16-10 win against Lakes at Greta Central on Saturday.
Cessnock fell short in the Under-14-1 grand final, losing 28-0 to Wests.
Anxious wait for Bulldogs
Kurri Kurri must beat Western Suburbs by 15 points or more and rely on Cessnock to defeat Lakes United on Saturday to make the reserve grade finals.
The Bulldogs defeated the Goannas 22-6 on Saturday to go to 14 competition points, however, in a major upset Lakes smashed top side Souths 36-0 to remain equal on points with Kurri and jump them into fourth spot courtesy of a 10-point superior for and against.
Wests, who beat Wyong 28-6 on Sunday, are a game clear of the Bulldogs and have a 93 to 79 for and against advantage.
The Bulldogs Blues Tag side finished their season without a win going down to Wyong 56-0 on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs had a nail-biting 10-8 loss to Wests in the U-15 grand final on Saturday. The Bulldogs were U-12s Pilgrim and U-10s Pilgrim premiers.
