Outgoing Western Suburbs coach Matt Lantry has one box left to tick before finishing his time at the Rosellas and capping off an already successful 2019.
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In his fourth season in charge of a first grade side, one at Central in 2014 and now three at Wests, Maitland-bound Lantry hasn't claimed a Newcastle Rugby League premiership.
Individually this year, combining the Rosellas and representative ranks, Lantry has wins at the Kurri Nines, All Stars, Newcastle Rebels and NSW Pioneers.
"Whatever level you're coaching at you want to coach teams to premiership success," the 2015 NSW Cup champion said. "It's the one thing I'd like to try and ensure we get done and I've been lucky enough to have a really successful year in terms of results. This would be the icing on the cake."
With five former NRL players at his disposal, Lantry admits minor premiers Wests have a "really strong roster" but "regardless of that caliber" he said "grand finals aren't won on paper".
The Rosellas have yet to appoint Lantry's replacement for 2020.
Cessnock coach Todd Edwards has claimed "underdog" status ahead of Sunday's decider at McDonald Jones Stadium and said the Goannas, who snuck into the semis after finishing fifth by one point, "have no expectations". He added that it would "mean everything" for him to earn a maiden premiership with his home club after suffering five previous losses on grand final day.
