By Tallon Smith

The Cudgen Hornets have completed one of the more remarkable fairytales in country footy by breaking a 17-year premiership drought in the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League with an 18-4 Grand Final win over Minor Premiers the Ballina Seagulls on Sunday.

After losing their leagues club in a devastating fire during the COVID years, the Hornets have fought on, winning titles in three grades last season and again in First and Reserve Grade (22-6, also over Ballina) this year.

Cudgen Secretary Deb Kennedy said that the premiership wins “mean a lot” to the club and the broader community, especially given that the late season run occurred after a difficult start to the season.

“They just kept getting better and better every week,” she said.

“They’re all locals, nearly all of them came up through the juniors.

“It was a mighty effort [and a] fantastic game of football.”

Kennedy said that the last few years have been really challenging for the club, who have been operating from makeshift facilities.

“The leagues club burnt down in the middle of COVID,” she said.

“We have no clubrooms, no dressing sheds, demountable toilets, no scoreboard, no PA system, a demountable refs changeroom and a demountable bar.”

Despite the setbacks, Kennedy said that everyone remains committed to the strong community club and ensuring its success both on and off the field.

“The club spirit is very high,” she said.

“It’s kind of like the old days when people play because they love the club.

“We won three premierships [as well] last year, the girls, Under 18s and Reserves.”

The win marks Cudgen’s second title in the NRRRL since the competition’s foundation in 2005, and their fifth title overall when including those won in its predecessor Group 18.