CENTRAL president Heath Anderson confirmed this week that coach Phil Williams will oversee a third season in 2021 as the Butcher Boys capped off a difficult period by claiming the Newcastle Rugby League under-19 premiership.
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"Phil has committed for another year. What he's done for the club the last two years, especially recently, is above and beyond what is expected of a coach," Anderson said.
Central's first grade side withdrew from the rest of this year's competition following the death of prop Joel Dark last month, five days after collapsing on the field.
Butcher Boys' under-19 captain Lachlan O'Brien said "this one's for Darky" after being named man-of-the-match in a 26-24 victory over Lakes in Sunday's grand final at Maitland Sportsground.
"There's been a lot of pain, so it was nice to have something to celebrate," Anderson said.
Williams' re-appointment means all Newcastle RL coaches are set to remain in their current roles for next year: Todd Edwards (Cessnock), Andrew Ryan (Souths), Todd Lowrie (Wests), Robbie Payne (Lakes), Matt Lantry (Maitland), Mitch Cullen (Kurri) and Steve Kidd (Macquarie).
Anderson also revealed that James Elias, who has represented Lebanon and played with Wests in 2017 and 2018, has signed with Central and will be a "good addition".
* WESTS' winger Logan Radzievic kicked a field goal in extra-time to defeat Wyong 13-12 in the Newcastle RL reserve grade decider at Maitland on Sunday while Souths clinched another women's Blues Tag title by holding on against the Pickers 8-6 in that showdown.
* NEWCASTLE Hunter Community Rugby League grand finals are scheduled for St John Oval on Saturday with Dora Creek meeting Thornton-Beresfield in men's A -grade (4:15pm) while Aberglasslyn appear twice for women's A-grade battling Berkley Vale in tackle (11:30am) and University in league tag (10am).
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