In the Real NRL, Cessnock will face Wests in next Sunday’s grand final, after winning a thriller against Souths today.
The Lions raced out of the blocks, Jason Strickleton with the first try.
Cessnock hadn’t touched the ball when Teason Faavae-Eli made it 10-nil.
Potentially playing against his future club, Riley Brown reduced the margin for the Goannas.
The comeback was complete, as Brendan Williams made it 10-all.
Joel Brown gave Cessnock its first lead in the second half, before Brad Russell tied things up for the Lions.
But two field goals to the Brown brothers proved the difference, as the Goannas qualified for the decider.
text will be replaced
