Lleyton Hughes
11 September 2024, 7:31 AM
The Kiama Knights Under 16’s Division 1 team made history on September 7 when they won their third grand final in a row.
They became the first Kiama Knights team in 20 years to win three grand finals in a row when they convincingly defeated the Wests Devils 26-6 at Win Stadium.
Coach Cindy Brookfield says the boys’ performance on the day was full of effort and maturity and that they trusted their game plan.
“The boys knew their role and executed the coaches game plan perfectly in the Grand Final. It was a tough battle in the middle. Our pack earned us the right to shift the ball. The spine created opportunities for themselves and the team. Such a well deserved team win,” says Brookfield.
The team was also coached by Benny Brookfield and Josh Starling and they lost only two games all year.
Brookfield says that the team feels like one big family and that this has been a driving factor behind their long term success over the last three years.
“The boys' connection on and off the field have created a brotherhood where they want to play for each other and the coaching staff. The team has an awesome family vibe with lots of dads taking on roles over the years and supportive parents who have enabled the 16-1’s to be brothers,” says Brookfield.
Kiama Knights Junior Rugby League Club (JRLC) president Carl Middleton says that the juniors are going to miss the team’s winning and hard working attitude towards the game when they move onto seniors in 2025.
“The club is extremely proud of these U16 players. They have had a desire and an ability to play Rugby League to the highest level they can. Their win is centered on hard work and to win for the third year in a row is an indictment on their dedication and desire. We wish them well into the future and their transition into U18’s next year,” says Middleton.
The try scorers in the grand final were Lacom Pooching, Jaxson Ballinger, Reed Palmer and Jett Brookfield. The four goals were kicked by Asher Chapman and one penalty goal was kicked by Ashton Moore.
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