History was made at Viking Park as the Uni-Norths Owls men’s 1st Grade team claimed their first-ever Grand Final victory, defeating the Tuggeranong Vikings 29–19 in the 2025 John I Dent Cup. From the very first moment, the atmosphere was electric. The Owls team ran out through a tunnel stretching at least 100 meters, packed with supporters, past and present players, and community members. The cheers were deafening, and you could feel the energy pulse through every player as they took to the field. Fans were on their feet for nearly every play, roaring at every tackle, scrum, and break, knowing they were witnessing history.

The Grand Final kicked off with Jordan Thompson sending the ball deep, setting the scene for a titanic battle. The Owls forwards asserted themselves immediately, dominating scrums and lineouts. In the 7th minute, Samuel Toa showcased his brilliance, slicing through a gap to score the opening try. Toa converted his own effort, giving the Owls a 7–0 lead and sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Vikings fired back quickly with Ryan Lonergan scored in the 10th minute, Bartley-Saena converting to level the game at 7–7. But the Owls’ momentum didn’t waver. In the 20th minute, Vikings flanker Eli Langi muscled over from close range, Bartley-Saena converting to put the Vikings ahead 14–7.

The Owls kept their composure and answered brilliantly. The pack drove forward relentlessly, forcing penalties and controlling the field. In the 38th minute, a lightning-quick backline move allowed Rhys Van Nek to crash over for a try, with Toa converting to tie the scores at 14–14. The crowd erupted, chanting and waving as the Owls showed they weren’t just participants, they were contenders.

The second half was an all-out battle, with the Vikings desperate to regain the lead. But the Owls’ forwards were unstoppable, winning scrum after scrum and forcing errors that the backline pounced on. In the 58th minute, Liae Tuilagi darted over to score a sensational try near the posts. Toa added the extras, and suddenly the Owls led 21–14. Viking Park was rocking with fans on their feet and shouting for every surge.

The Owls didn’t stop. In the 65th minute, Cadeyrn Neville powered over from close range, showcasing his strength and determination. Although Toa’s conversion missed, the Owls stretched their lead to 26–14. Every scrum, every lineout, every tactical kick was met with deafening cheers. Vikings attempted to fight back but were repeatedly halted by the Owls’ dominating pack.

In the 76th minute, Toa added a penalty goal, extending the lead to 29–14 and putting the game firmly out of reach. Vikings managed a late try through Jacob Church in the 80th minute, but it was too little, too late, the Owls were on the brink of glory. Rhys Van Nek received a yellow card in the final seconds, but the Owls held firm.

When the final whistle blew, Viking Park erupted. The Owls crowd stormed the field in sheer celebration, honouring the team and an unforgettable season. History had been made: Uni-Norths Owls were John I Dent Cup Grand Final champions for the first time ever. To top off an incredible series, Cadeyrn Neville was named Player of the Finals, capping off a standout performance that helped secure this historic win.

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Final Score

Uni-Norths Owls 29 – Tuggeranong Vikings 19

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Points Summary

Tries:

1. Samuel Toa 7′ (Owls)
2. Ryan Lonergan 10′ (Vikings)
3. Eli Langi 20′ (Vikings)
4. Rhys Van Nek 38′ (Owls)
5. Liae Tuilagi 58′ (Owls)
6. Cadeyrn Neville 65′ (Owls)
7. Jacob Church 80′ (Vikings)

Conversions:

1. Samuel Toa 7′, 38′, 58′ (Owls)
2. Louis Bartley-Saena 10′, 20′ (Vikings)

Penalty Goals:

1. Samuel Toa 76′ (Owls)

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Uni-Norths Owls 1st Grade Team

1. Tauati Chan Tung
2. Christopher Mickelson
3. Rhys Van Nek
4. Cadeyrn Neville
5. Samuel Mickelson (C)
6. Tobias Macpherson
7. Dylan Challita
8. Miller Tauiliili-Pelesasa
9. Zion Going
10. Samuel Toa
11. Ignacio Bonsembiante
12. Ollie Sapsford
13. Liae Tuilagi
14. Siave Seti
15. Jordan Thompson

Substitutes: 16. Boston Morete, 17. Zeb Maddinson, 18. Te Huia Kutia, 19. Harvey Cordukes, 20. Joshua Reis, 21. Ben Roberton, 22. Charlie Crozier, 23. Patrick Callaughan

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Tuggeranong Vikings 1st Grade Team

1. Lington Ieli
2. Samuel Thomas
3. Remsy Lemisio
4. Alexander Kerr
5. Rhys Griffiths
6. Eli Langi
7. Nathan Beil
8. Justin Sikimeti
9. Ryan Lonergan
10. Oscar Shaw
11. Jacob Church
12. Andrew Robinson (C)
13. Luke Black
14. Shane Wilcox
15. Louis Bartley-Saena (C)

Substitutes: 16. Bailey Buesnel, 17. Nick Cushan, 18. Silafono Titiuti, 19. Joel Leiper, 20. TJ Sione, 21. Wally Wentzel, 22. Josiah Lealiifano, 23. Samson Tuqiri