The 2025 McDonald’s Junior Grand Finals certainly delivered! Every match-up was fiercely contested, with the Under 15 Boys going into overtime. The evening began in typical Top End fashion - hot and humid - before a build-up storm swept through, bringing torrential rain and strong winds.
Despite the challenging conditions, the standard of rugby remained outstanding.
Palmerston Crocs were strong across the grades, fielding teams in the Under 13 Girls, Under 13 Boys, and Under 15 Boys. Swampdogs, Darwin Dragons and Casuarina Cougars were also well represented, along with the Barbarians in the Under 13 Boys - a combined team featuring players primarily from South Darwin Rabbitohs, Casuarina Cougars, and University Pirates.
Under 13 Girls – Palmerston Crocs Blue vs Palmerston Crocs Red
Palmerston Crocs Blue dominated early, taking control in the first two thirds, but Crocs Red fought back strongly in the final stages. In a nail-biter finish, Crocs Blue held on to claim the premiership by just one point, 31–30.
Club-versus-club clashes are always emotionally challenging for players, especially with strong friendships across the teams. All players displayed outstanding sportsmanship, a credit to the culture being built at the club under the leadership of coaches Meighan Barker and Oran Mahony.
Player of the Match: Matilda Hewitt (Palmerston Crocs Blue)
Crocs Blue Try Scorers: Halle Tilley x2, Rochelle Criddle x2 and Tilly Cogil Conversions: Maddison Pulman x3
Crocs Red Try Scorers: Ella Sayle, Matilda Hewitt, Izabelle Orrell-Ainslie x2 and Valentina Taisali x2
Under 13 Boys – Palmerston Crocs vs Barbarians
The Barbarians were the surprise package of the season. After a rocky start as a newly formed team, they developed quickly under coach Jay Withers (South Darwin Rabbitohs), finishing fourth on the ladder and earning their finals berth through grit and teamwork.
They delivered a strong performance, but the well-drilled Palmerston Crocs - consistent all season- claimed the premiership 31–21.
David Billsborrow Player of the Match: Oskar Shaw (Palmerston Crocs)
Crocs Try Scorers: Quincy Carter, Andrew Mutanda and Oskar Shaw Conversions: Thomas Dalton, Nathaniel Burke x2
Barbarians Try Scorers: Tremaine Cole x3 and Lachlan Fryer Conversions: Isaac Phillips, Tremaine Cole
Under 15 Girls – Swampdogs vs Darwin Dragons
The Swampdogs entered the season as favourites under coach Brenton Marschke, while Darwin Dragons coach Ayesha Kay had been steadily building her squad’s confidence and cohesion - something that was clear on grand final night.
Both teams delivered an exceptional performance right to the final whistle. The skill, teamwork, and determination on display were remarkable, showcasing the exciting future of women’s rugby in Darwin. These young athletes are only going to rise from here.
Final Score: Darwin Dragons 17 def. Swampdogs 12
Player of the Match (Under 17 Girls): Alana Finn (Swampdogs)
Darwin Dragons Try Scorers: April Payne, Mariah Franey and Patricia Watts Conversions: Mariah Franey
Swampdogs Try Scorers: Tannah Crockett and Emily Tuckwell Conversions: Alana Finn
Under 15 Boys – Palmerston Crocs vs Casuarina Cougars
The final game of the night lived up to all expectations. The Under 15 Boys grand final was a thrilling back-and-forth contest that ended regular time in a draw, forcing the match into overtime.
Players battled through driving rain and strong winds, pushing their skills and resilience to the limit. Coaches Steve Buba (Cougars) and Drew Bell (Crocs) were quick to adapt their strategies to the conditions, delivering a masterclass in Top End rugby.
The crowd was on the edge of their seats as both sides fought hard until the very end. Ultimately, the Casuarina Cougars clinched the premiership in overtime, 32–29.
Joseph Egan Under 15 Boys Player of the Match: Manahi Oakley (Casuarina Cougars)
Cougars Try Scorers: Ricky Mummery-Henda x2 and Manahi Oakley x2 Conversions: Corben Jarrett-Wright and Ricky Mummery-Henda
Crocs Try Scorers: Judd Boulton, Jake Park x2 and Jonty Klaas Conversions: Jake Park and Phillip Joshua Taisali
Overall, all matches were tightly contested, making it an electrifying night of junior rugby. Congratulations to all teams, coaches, officials, supporters and McDonalds on a fantastic grand final series!
NB: For privacy reasons, some try-scorers’ names have been withheld from publication.
