The Maitland Pickers under-19s carry the Coalfields title hopes into Sunday's Newcastle Rugby League grand final at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday.
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The young Pickers are the last Coalfields team in the title hunt after Kurri Kurri bowed out of the first grade race last week.
Pickers president Frank Lawler said the quest was in good hands with coach Andrew Fawcett assembling a talent-laden team led by inspirational leaders Jock Sullivan and Bayley Ritchie.
Fullback Jeremy Gibson made his first grade debut this season and Elliott Penglaze and Gary Anderson also have first grade experience. Many of the team have regularly played in reserve grade this season.
Maitland’s squad also boasts Australian Schoolboys representatives Jock Madden and Timanu Alexander. Alexander has been named as a reserve but has been sidelined by injury.
Maitland are the only team to beat Wests this season and only six points separated them in the major semi-final.
Kick-off in the under-19 grand final is a 10.55am.