Illawarra has won its second straight Country Rugby League title, beating Newcastle in a thrilling final at Tamworth today.
Illawarra hit the front midway through the first half, Wayne Bremner with a spectacular try from an Eamon Hillen kick.
Newcastle skipper Chris Adams provided a bullet pass to help Royce Geoffrey to a try.
The Rebels were in front 14-12 at half time, but Illawarra hit back with a long range effort involving Blake Phillips and Hillen.
When Geoffrey scored again, Newcastle was in front 20 points to 18.
But the lead was set to change for the eighth and final time, as Jason Raper helped Illawarra to back to back crowns.
Seven Rebels were then selected for the Country side.
Country Firsts Team:
1. Michael Brophy (Tuggeranong/Canberra)
2. Dwayne Connors (Gungahlin/Canberra)
3. Simon Williams (Western Suburbs/Newcastle)
4. David Howell (Gungahlin/Canberra)
5. Callan Richardson (Western Suburbs/Newcastle)
6. Riley Brown (Cessnock/Newcastle)
7. Eamon Hillen (Helensburgh/Illawarra)
8. Brendon Worth (Kurri Kurri/Newcastle)
9. Chris Adams (Cessnock/Newcastle)
10. Blake Williamson (Collegians/Illawarra)
11. Jarrod Thompson (Collegians/Illawarra)
12. Levi Freeman (Queanbeyan Blues/Canberra)
13. Brendan Hlad (Cessnock/Newcastle)
14. Sam Clune (Thirroul/Illawarra)
15. John Papalli (West Belconnen/Canberra)
16. Jacob Hind (Corrimal/Illawarra)
17. Peter Mannion (Western Suburbs/Newcastle)
18. Nathan Smith (Corrimal/Illawarra)
