This follows the Northern Zone championships where Group Three downed Group 19 before overcoming traditional powerhouses Newcastle and Central Coast. Making a final is a first for the group.

Group Three defeated Newcastle 24-4 with talented halves Taye Cochrane and Mhalikai outstanding. They were supported by the tournament’s equal leading try scorer Ethan Ferguson, whose goal kicking was exemplary in the windy conditions. Charlie Dignam, Oscar Jolt and hitman Eli Theofanou worked hard in the forwards.

Group Three then outclassed Central Coast 32-0 bring their tally from two games to 86 while they only conceded 12.

“Nobody gave us a chance,’’ assistant coach Doug Ferguson said.

“Newcastle has a massive junior base and we only had 40 players involved in open trials, so it says much about the character and skill of the boys to do what they did."

Group Three representative co-ordinator Jon Jess expects the Victorians to be formidable.

“They’ll probably have a number of players who are part of the Storm system, so will be very tough. The bulk of them will probably be from Queensland," he explained.

“But that will make the victory even sweeter.’’

Group Three 15s defeated Group 19 but lost a tight game against Group One 22-6. From here Group Three played Central Coast in the plate final, where they were soundly beaten.

The Group Three under 14 squad for tomorrow’s game to kick off at 1.20 is: Ethan Ferguson (Taree); Kaleb Cooper (Port Breakers), Josh Goldberg (Port Breakers), Hunter Longhurst (Wingham), Lewis Koller (Forster-Tuncurry); Mhalikai Mercy (Old Bar), Taye Cochrane (Old Bar); Ryan Maloney (Port Breakers), Charlie Dignam (Taree), Oscar Holt (Taree), Austin Bradley (Port Breakers), Brady Blackhall (Camden Haven), Ty Jesse Brabant (Port Breakers). Interchange Lester Andrews (Camden Haven), Jamal Theophanous (Taree), Eli Theofanou (Wauchope), Jacob Pritchard (Wauchope), Levi Doran (Taree), Tyrese Dungay (Camden Haven), Brody Leask (Lake Cathie). Coach is Chris Hollis from Taree.

“This is probably our strongest age division,’’ Group Three president Warren Blisset said.

“There are some very talented players there. Good performances in this championship will place them in good stead for selection in State school sides next year.’’