Historic First – Friday Night Grand Final at Corea Oval

For the first time, the Cronulla Junior Rugby League staged a Grand Final under lights on Friday night at Corea Oval, Gymea.

The honour of opening the 2025 Grand Final weekend went to the Over 35 Gold Men’s Blues Tag Premiership, a true local showdown between Gymea Gorillas (1) and Gymea Gorillas (2).

It was billed as a battle of youth versus experience, and under the bright lights of the Gorilla Pit, the game lived up to the hype. A bumper crowd of families, friends, and rugby league fans filled the ground, eager to witness history being made in a unique Grand Final setting.

The atmosphere was electric, with the cool evening providing perfect conditions for rugby league.

Both Gymea sides played with passion and grit, trading blows in an entertaining contest. The younger Gymea Gorillas (2) side eventually found the edge, running out 18–8 winners, but not without a stern test from their more seasoned clubmates. The scoreline reflected the resilience and determination of Gymea (1), who refused to roll over and showed there’s still plenty of fight in the old heads.

In the end, it was the younger squad who celebrated as Premiers for 2025, but the night was a win for the club, the community, and the competition. This inaugural Friday night Grand Final was a fitting way to launch a weekend of finals football, and a proud moment for the Gymea Gorillas and Cronulla Junior Rugby League.

The Cronulla JRL thanks its' amazing sponsors including Remara, Power Waste Management, Shire Steel, Johnny Gio's and JRFS.

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Lookout for the professional photos from every Grand Final being posted on our website and social channels over the coming days and weeks.

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Pictures: Adam Wrightson (Cronulla JRL)

For full gallery & to download photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/VG3yYU5FC39onf3o6