George Tooke Shield: Grand Final Preview

The 2024 reigning premiers – the Bungendore Tigers will look to retain their crown this weekend as they host the Harden Hawks at Mick Sherd oval in the 2025 Blumers Lawyers George Tooke Shield Grand Final.

After a gruelling campaign, it was the Tigers who finished on top after claiming the minor premiership by the skin of their teeth.

After Rule 25 was enacted – the rule setting out the procedure for breaking ties when teams finish level on competition points and points difference – Bungendore edged out the Boorowa Rovers by virtue of their points difference percentage to claim top spot and waltzed through to the semi-finals.

With nine wins, two losses and two draws the Tigers have been dominant all season and will come into the grand final well rested off the back of a bye round after defeating the Rovers 26-22 in the Major Semi-Final.

Meanwhile, the Hawks have shifted into gear after finishing fourth on the ladder, scraping by the Binalong Brahmans 10-8 in the first week of finals.

Last week’s clash against the Crookwell Green Devils then saw the Hawks come up trumps in a 48-6 devastation before defeating the Rovers in the Preliminary Final at Boorowa to lock in their Grand Final spot. 

Standout performances from the Hawks’ try scoring machines Jaydo Cutting and Drew Arabin have laid the foundations for the Hawks’ finals campaign – and they are now ready to perform on the big stage.

The last meeting between the Tigers and Hawks came in Round 15, where the contest finished locked at 22-all with neither side able to break the deadlock.

With the reigning premiers coming up against a high scoring, well-oiled, finals-fit Hawks with all the momentum in the world, you couldn’t pick a winner if you tried. This clash will be electric.

Kick-off for the 2025 Blumers Lawyers George Tooke Shield Grand Final is set for 2:30PM Saturday 20th September at Mick Sherd Oval.