Home final awaits as junior Diesels chase premiership glory

JUNEE’S rising rugby league stars are enjoying a remarkable run, with eight players fresh from making history on the state stage now preparing to chase another title after helping the junior Diesels charge into the Group 9 grand final.

The Junee Diesels Under 16s punched their ticket to the decider with a hard-fought 22-16 semi-final victory over Young at Temora on Saturday, setting up a blockbuster home grand final against Temora at Loftus Oval this weekend.

The Diesels side shares a strong connection with Junee High School’s history-making Under 16s team, which on Wednesday claimed the school’s first NSW Small Schools rugby league shield since the competition began more than 30 years ago.

Image: Junee High School

Three of the crossover players, Blake Sweeney, Liam Brandon and Ben Field, were singled out by the school for outstanding performances in Wednesday’s historic state decider, while junior Diesel Ace Hayman was named Player of the Day.

READ MORE: Junee High makes history with maiden title

Just days after celebrating that historic triumph in Bathurst, the young footballers were back in action as the Diesels fought to keep another premiership campaign alive.

Their six-point victory over Young did exactly that, earning Junee a place in Saturday’s 2026 Group 9 Junior Rugby League Northern Pool Grand Final.

The result means eight of the town’s young footballers now have the opportunity to claim two major titles in the space of just 10 days.

And this time, they’ll have the chance to do it on home soil.

The Diesels will face Temora at Loftus Oval on Saturday, August 29, with Junee hoping home-ground advantage, and a vocal local crowd, can help propel the Under 16s to premiership glory.

The Junee Junior Rugby League Club is calling on the community to throw its support behind the side, launching a “Turn Junee Blue and Gold” campaign ahead of the decider.

Residents and businesses are being encouraged to deck out their homes, shopfronts and workplaces in the Diesels’ colours, with prizes up for grabs for the best decorated home and best decorated business.

Winners will be selected on Friday, August 28.

“Decorate your home or business and show everyone who has the loudest and proudest Diesels spirit!” the club said.

“We want to see our whole community getting behind the boys as they head into the Grand Final this weekend!

“Make sure you tag us in your photos so we can see Junee showing its Diesels pride!”

The campaign is set to build a sea of blue and gold across town ahead of Saturday’s showdown, as the young Diesels prepare to chase another piece of silverware in what has already been an extraordinary fortnight for junior rugby league in Junee.

The Junee Diesels Under 16s will face Temora at Loftus Oval on Saturday, August 29, in the 2026 Group 9 Junior Rugby League Northern Pool Grand Final.