Twice they have been crowned minor premiers and six times they have lost grand finals, including last year, since their last success in 2003.

The Goannas put an end to that Newcastle Rugby League drought on Sunday, defeating Souths 20-6 in the 2020 decider at Maitland Sportsground.

It may have been 17 years between celebratory drinks but they tasted just as sweet for the Cessnock players, coaches and supporters, who could be heard in full voice from the grandstands both during the game and after full-time.

Goannas captain Reed Hugo held aloft the trophy and said it was a "moment I'll never forget".

The Cessnock junior paid tribute to the Coalfields club faithful and described the sense of relief from getting across the line after multiple near misses.

"They [fans] turn up every week and they've got our backs every week," Hugo said.

"We've been here so many times before and come off on the other end of it so I couldn't be happier to get one for them all back at Cessnock."

He also praised his teammates for an "outstanding" display.

"What a feeling. We've worked so hard for this and for the boys to put in the performance they did for 80 minutes today, I couldn't be more proud. It was outstanding," Hugo said.

Cessnock scored the opening two tries down the left edge inside 15 minutes with centre Brayden Musgrove setting up the first for fullback Ngangarra Barker and crossing for the second himself.

Goannas winger Seaton Reid missed both conversions attempts and they led 8-0 at half-time.

Souths struck back shortly after the break courtesy of second-rower Blake Campbell crashing over to the right of the posts. Lions halfback Jason Keelan added the extras and reduced the margin to two points.

In the 56^th minute Cessnock's Josh Griffiths beat the chasers to a Barker grubber, diving full stretch to score a try just inside the dead-ball line. Reid kicked the goal to make it 14-6.

Goannas hooker Nick Lawrence put the icing on the cake with nine minutes remaining. Reid converted for a 14-point buffer.

Souths coach Andrew Ryan said his side "probably didn't take our opportunities" and weren't as "patient" as they have been throughout the year, but gave credit to the Goannas.

"They deadset started that good. They were out of a cannon, got a couple of tries early and we didn't recover. They did well. They are a good footy side, they are here for a reason and they were just too good today," Ryan said.

CESSNOCK 20 (Ngangarra Barker, Brayden Musgrove, Josh Griffiths, Nick Lawrence tries; Seaton Reid 2 goals) def SOUTHS 6 (Blake Campbell try; Jason Keelan goal)

While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here

IN THE NEWS: