Todd Edwards reckons it felt "surreal" and regardless of what happens in his farewell season next year, the Cessnock coach now has a grand final win on the resume.
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The Goannas defeated Souths 20-6 at Maitland Sportsground on Sunday, ending a tough run for Edwards in Newcastle Rugby League deciders.
Edwards had lost all six of his previous visits to the title showdown, five with Cessnock (2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2019) and one at Lakes (2018) before making a long-awaited breakthrough on October 18.
It was an emotional moment for the experienced mentor at full-time.
"It's just surreal. I don't know what to say. My daughter was there in the crowd and I lost it. She was crying and that sends me. It meant a lot," Edwards said.
Edwards voiced his "frustration" at those who "rubbished the competition" because of changes caused by the global coronavirus pandemic and said "those four sides [in the semis] could compete in any week in any other season".
Edwards also revealed that next year would be his last with the clipboard.
"Next year will be it. 2021 will be my last. That's my eighth season and it's too long. The club needs someone else and I probably need something else."
However, despite the COVID-19 crisis, the former Rebels representative coach said "I really enjoyed that year and wish it could go for another six weeks".
In terms of Cessnock's performance he said the Goannas "found a way" and "scrambled" well in defence.
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Josh Callinan
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
