18/09/2026
🏆 SOUTHERN COMPETITION GRAND FINAL DAY 🏆
The stage is set for a massive afternoon of rugby as the Southern Competition’s best teams prepare to battle for premiership glory.
With the Women’s 10s and Men’s First Grade titles on the line, supporters can expect speed, physicality and plenty of Grand Final drama. Four players, in particular, could have a major say in where the trophies finish.
WOMEN’S 10s GRAND FINAL
Gloucester Cockies v Manning River Ratz
This matchup promises to showcase everything that makes rugby tens so exciting—space, speed and attacking players prepared to take their opportunities.
Manning River will look to control the contest through Keely Holden, one of the most skilful and direct playmakers in the Southern Competition.
Holden is the player who leads her side around the park, brings structure to the attack and knows when to challenge the defensive line herself. Her ability to play square, commit defenders and create space for her teammates will continually test Gloucester’s defensive connection.
If Gloucester allows her time with the ball, Holden has the vision and skill to stretch their defence from one side of the field to the other. Expect her kicking, passing and direct running game to be central to everything Manning River produces.
Gloucester will answer with one of the most dangerous weapons in the competition—Hannah Yates.
For Yates, the description is simple: speed, speed and more speed.
In the open spaces created by the tens format, her pace becomes an enormous threat. If Gloucester can create quick ball and release her into space, Yates has the ability to turn a half-chance into a try before the defence has time to recover.
Manning River will need to remain connected and close down her space early because once Yates reaches full speed, very few defenders will catch her.
Will Holden’s playmaking control the contest, or will Yates’ pace blow the Grand Final open?
đź•ś Kick-off: 1:30 pm
MEN’S FIRST GRADE GRAND FINAL
Wallamba Bulls v Manning River Ratz
The final match of the Southern Competition season brings together two proud clubs and long-time rivals, with both sides ready for one final battle.
Manning River will again look toward David Rees, who has long been regarded as one of the finest players in Southern MNC Rugby.
Rees is built for the biggest occasions. A destructive ball runner who can punch through the defensive line, he combines strength and determination with a defensive presence that can change the momentum of a match.
Put simply, he carries hard and hits like a Mack truck.
Against his long-time rivals, Rees will be looking for a huge performance. Whether it is a powerful carry to put Manning River on the front foot or a dominant tackle to lift those around him, his physical influence could shape the Grand Final.
Standing in Manning River’s way will be Wallamba’s tireless Luke Holbrook.
Holbrook is the type of player every team wants in a Grand Final. He works relentlessly around the ruck, contributes heavily at the set piece and continues to put himself into the contest from the opening whistle until the last.
His influence, however, extends well beyond his work rate.
Holbrook’s laser-like boot could prove to be one of Wallamba’s most important weapons. Any penalty within range—even from around halfway—could become a scoring opportunity. In a tight Grand Final, where points may be difficult to find, his ability to punish ill-discipline could be the difference.
The battle between Rees’ physical power and Holbrook’s work rate, game awareness and goal-kicking will be fascinating to watch.
Grand Finals are often decided by the smallest moments: one turnover, one missed tackle, one penalty or one piece of individual brilliance.
Who will rise when the pressure is at its highest?
đź•’ Kick-off: 3:00 pm
đź“ş Both Grand Finals will be livestreamed on NSW Rugby TV.
