South Grafton Rebels crush Orara Valley in Group 2 final

NRL heavyweights Sam Burgess and Wayne Bennett could but watch on as the South Grafton Rebels unleashed on the sentimental favourites.

The South Grafton Rebels trashed a fairytale ending for Sam Burgess’ Orary Valley Axemen, and created their own Cinderella story as they secured the Group 2 rugby league premiership.

The Rebels were imperious in storming to a 36-8 victory in the big dance on Sunday.

Rebels president Brendan Breitnauer’s assertion pre-game that Orara would struggle to compete in the grand final turned out to be bang on.

Sentiment might have been with the Axemen who have struggled to even field a side in recent times, but the Rebels showed no mercy in crashing the party.

Breitnauer had full confidence in centre pairing Tom and Nick McGrady, who turned out to be instrumental for the Rebels.

“We’ve got a very strong forward group - that alone will negate their big boys, so I think the game will be won on the edges,” Breitnauer said in the lead-up.

South Grafton’s forward pack dominated throughout a physically demanding game, having the Axemen on toast 24-4 at half time.

South Grafton centre Thomas McGrady tackles Orara's Ryan Gill. Photo: Orara Valley Axemen

“We were incredibly strong in defence and through the centre, full credit to the McGrady brothers, they were really strong for us,” Breitnauer said.

Hugh Stanley and Grant Stevens were the standout contributors from the backs, with Stevens winning man of the match.

“Grant Stevens was outstanding with his control of the game,” Breitnauer said.

Orara’s all-star coaching cast of Burgess with support from NRL legend Wayne Bennett could but watch as the Rebels ran riot through the pace of former Eels and Dolphins junior Luke French, and Brian Quinlan.

Bennett was spotted giving regular contributions on the sideline, with his former Souths protege in Burgess making sure he had the legend’s advice in his ear in front of a heaving crowd of around 3500.

“Sam was so gracious in defeat - came straight up to me and shook my hand and said the better team won on the day,” Breitnauer said.

“It means so much to the whole club and the local community to be able to bring the Group 2 premiership back to South Grafton, they’ve all worked so hard to see this happen.”