Despite several changes to this year's Newcastle Rugby League competition on the back of the global coronavirus pandemic, a chance to win Sunday's grand final at Maitland Sportsground "means just as much" as any other season.

They agree that Newcastle RL's cancelling of the regular Business Plaza Cup, reverting to amateur status with no player payments, individual unavailability, club movements, delayed start and less rounds throughout 2020 count for little once you're actually out in the middle and won't be a factor when the Goannas and Lions clash for the one-off trophy.

Both have visited deciders previously, Hugo with Cessnock 12 months ago and Browne for Souths in 2018.

Hugo, a Goannas junior who will lead the team out as captain, says "it definitely doesn't feel any different out there".

"Once we started playing it was no different to any other season," Hugo, 24, told the Newcastle Herald.

"Obviously it's been called an amateur competition but ... it definitely doesn't feel any different out there, it's as tough as any other year I've played and the quality of teams has been outstanding.

"A lot of the off-field stuff has changed, but once you get out on the field it's still a high-quality first-grade competition like it's always been and everyone out there is still ripping in the same as they were whether there's COVID-19 or not.

"It still means just as much as any other year."

Souths hooker Browne, a Belmont North and Central junior in his sixth season at the Lions, shares similar sentiments following what has been a "roller-coaster" type ride from when the competition was first postponed in March, eventually kicked off in July and now approaching a title showdown.

"It think it still means just as much," Browne, 23, said.

"A lot of people thought [it might not] with a side dropping out and a side coming in, calling it an amateur competition at the start of the year. But the competition is just as hard, just as tough and well up to standard. Nothing changes."

Second-rower Hugo feels the experience of Cessnock losing last year's decider to Wests, who they beat in Saturday's elimination semi-final, will provide him and some of his fellow teammates with "motivation".

"Last year wasn't the result we wanted and I've tried not to think too much about it," he said.

"Obviously it brings a lot of motivation out and it's been in the back of my head all year ... that was my first crack at a premiership and it sticks with you, makes you want to work harder and it will be out there on the weekend."

Browne said the success of two years ago taught him "cool heads" are vital, which showed in Souths' 28-24 win over Wyong on Sunday.

Newcastle RL boss Matt Harris said this year's premiers will be listed on the honour roll, but noting the impact of COVID-19.

Kick-off is 3.15pm.

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