The Panthers were in control from the outset. They led led 49-22 at half-time and kicked kicked six in third term to all but seal the win.

The Hawks will meet Nelson Bay in the preliminary final after the Marlins held off a late fight back to upset the Newcastle City 6.12-48 to 5.17-47.

In the women’s semi-finals, Newcastle City continued their unbeaten run with a 23.13-151 to 0.1-1 thrashing of Maitland. Nelson Bay beat Gosford in the late semi.

Minor premiers Wests Leagues overpowered defending champions Souths Lions 45-24 in the major semi-final to progress straight to the decider. 

After a tight opening quarter, Wests scored 13 goals to five to go to half-time in control at 24-13. They maintained the rage, holding the Lions to three goals in the third quarter to have the match all but sealed, leading 32-16.

South will now meet BNC in the preliminary final next Saturday.

Hamilton scored a try from a scrum in the dying second to beat Wanderers 34-29 and all but wrap up a third straight minor premiership. The bonus point win moved the Hawks four points clear of the Two Blues with one round remaining.

Maitland overcame a gallant Lake Macquarie 37-28 at Marcellin Park remain in fourth and seal a place in the post season.

Merewether remain in fifth despite going down to an in-form Southern Beaches 34-27 at Townson Oval.

The Waratahs faint hopes came to an end with a 26-19 loss to Nelson Bay at Waratah Oval.

University made it back-to-back win with a come-from-behind 39-31 triumph over Singleton at Rugby Park in a match which had no influence on the finals.

Merewether upset minor premiers University 32-12 in the grand final to win the women’s premiership.

Lakes United overcame a dogged Kurri Kurri 18-16 at Kurri Kurri Sportsground to move above South Newcastle into fourth spot an guarantee a finals berth with one round remaining.

Maitland spoilt Cessnock’s 40^th anniversary of the 1977 premiership win with a 26-6 win at Cessnock Sportsground.