UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, the Kangaroos have made unwanted history by losing their third consecutive grand final, succumbing to Gundagai with a final score of 10-6 at the Equex Centre on Sunday. This marks the first time in 36 years that a team has achieved this dubious feat in Group Nine rugby league.
The Kangaroos, aiming to break a 16-year premiership drought, faced a fierce challenge and fell short after a scoreless final 60 minutes of the match. Despite their strong season with only one previous loss, mistakes early on proved costly. Captain-coach Nathan Rose lamented, “I thought this year we were in a lot better spot to win a comp, but we just got off to a slow start with two drop balls, and they capitalised with two tries.”
The team started the match with confidence, having previously defeated Gundagai in the major semi-final. However, they found themselves trailing for a staggering 76 minutes of the game, unable to convert several close chances into points. Rose noted that the team struggled to execute their plays effectively, which ultimately decided the match’s outcome.
“This grand final was different,” Rose stated. “We were the clear front runner, but we just fell short after a couple of errors and a couple of things that didn’t go our way.”
The emotional toll of the game was palpable, as Kangaroos players fought hard but failed to secure a second try despite multiple attempts near the line. In a season that promised so much, the disappointment was a heavy burden for the team. Rose reflected on the missed opportunities, stating, “There was a lot of opportunities there for us, but we just couldn’t get it done at the end.”
Adding to the heartbreak, the Kangaroos’ under-18 side also lost their grand final, while the reserve grade team managed to secure a thrilling extra-time victory over Albury, who had also gone unbeaten this season.
Looking ahead, Rose has not confirmed his plans for 2026, preferring to focus on the immediate aftermath of this season. “I haven’t even thought about next year,” he shared. “I wanted to focus on the grand final just so I didn’t have any background noise.”
As fans and players alike process this disappointing chapter in the Kangaroos’ history, the urgency for change and improvement is clear. The team now faces the tough task of regrouping and strategizing for future success in the upcoming seasons.
With emotions high and the sting of defeat fresh, the Kangaroos will need to channel their frustrations into motivation as they look to turn the page on this challenging season. The community stands behind them, hoping for a brighter future.
