THE Port Stephens Sharks' under-18 team can claim to be the most successful in the club after winning a major premiership this season.
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The Sharks had three under-18 sides this year, but the second team, coached by Paul Dooley, stormed to victory on August 30 by defeating minor premiers Central Charlestown 34-10.
The Sharks did not start out well, finding themselves down 10-0 after 10 minutes.
Dooley said he and assistant coach Jason Eveleigh had a "here we go again" moment after experiencing a similar situation the year before with the under-16 side.
At the break, trailing 10-6, the Sharks regrouped.
"After a few coaching tips and some reassurance at half-time the boys started to play the footy that they knew they could play," Dooley said.
"[They] started to put some more pressure on them in defence and started to put some points on the board to eventually run out winner 34-10, holding them scoreless in the second half."
Points scorers were CJ Misifosa, Sam Craig, Keegan Wyatt, Jayke Graycek, Griffin Slade and Liam Eveleigh.
Dooley said he was "very proud" of all the players and happy to finally win a grand final after three appearances in four years.
He also thanked his coaching staff, Eveleigh, trainer Craig Murray and manager Melissa Eveleigh.