Historic premiership caps Junee Diesels’ centenary season

HISTORY has been made in Junee’s centenary year, with the Diesels’ women’s tackle side claiming its first Group 9 premiership after a commanding grand final victory in Wagga.

In their first-ever grand final appearance, the Diesels produced when it mattered most, defeating Wagga Brothers 20-6 at Geohex Park on Sunday to bring the premiership trophy home to Junee.

Image: Facebook/Junee Diesels

The breakthrough triumph provided a fitting finale to a milestone year for the club, which has spent 2026 celebrating 100 years of rugby league in Junee.

And after a season already filled with centenary celebrations, a first grade resurgence and success throughout the junior ranks, it was the women’s side which ultimately delivered the club its biggest prize.

They did it in front of a strong contingent of Junee supporters who made the trip to Wagga, turning sections of the ground blue and gold as the Diesels chased history.

Image: Facebook/Junee Diesels

Diesels deliver on biggest stage

Junee had taken the longer route to Sunday’s decider, playing through every week of the finals after suffering defeat in the major semi-final.

But there was no sign of fatigue when the premiership went on the line.

The Diesels made an immediate statement, opening the scoring in just the second minute.

Abbey Field crossed twice in a standout performance, using her speed to repeatedly trouble the Brothers defence and ultimately earning Player of the Match honours.

Junee took a 14-6 advantage into the sheds at half-time and, with history within reach, produced a huge defensive effort after the break.

Brothers were held scoreless throughout the second half, as the Diesels refused to surrender their advantage and closed out an historic 20-6 victory to secure the premiership.

The final siren triggered jubilant scenes among the players and the strong contingent of Junee supporters who had made the trip to Wagga.

Image: Facebook/Junee Diesels

A century & a first

The significance of Sunday’s victory stretches well beyond one afternoon in Wagga.

The Diesels have spent this season marking 100 years since the club’s beginnings in 1926, celebrating generations of players, volunteers and supporters who have carried the blue and gold.

The centenary year also marked a resurgence across the club.

Junee’s first grade men returned to Group 9 finals football for the first time in eight years after a six-game winning streak propelled them to third place.

It was an extraordinary turnaround for a club which had been unable to field a first grade side as recently as 2021 and 2022.

The Junior Diesels’ Under 16s also enjoyed a memorable campaign, winning the Northern Pool title before finishing as Group 9 runners-up after reaching the Championship Round.

But the final chapter of Junee’s centenary season now belongs to its women.

Image: Facebook/Junee Diesels

Having never previously reached a grand final, they didn’t simply make history by getting there.

They won it.

One hundred years after the Diesels’ story began, a new group of players has added its own piece of history.