West Hull ready to roar: Premier Division Grand Final showdown awaits after stellar season

As the sun starts to set on another gruelling amateur rugby league season, West Hull stand on the brink of ultimate glory, twelve months on from an 8-0 shut-out win on the big stage against Siddal.

With a remarkable league campaign that yielded just one draw and a single defeat all year, the green and gold juggernaut is primed for the NCRL Premier Division Grand Final clash against Hunslet ARLFC.

Reflecting on a journey that began back in the depths of January pre-season, the mood in the camp is one of immense pride, quiet confidence, and an unwavering desire to finish the job.

It has been a phenomenal ride for West Hull. Barring a solitary league loss and a stalemate, they have swept aside almost everything put in front of them. Yet, the path to the Grand Final was not without its hurdles.

A 21-day wait following the end of the regular season tested the squad's patience. But any ring-rust was emphatically blown away during a scintillating first 30 minutes against Siddal once more in the play-offs last weekend, as West Hull eventually triumphed 42-10.

"I had every faith in the lads that they'd produce their best performance of the year, and they did that for 30 minutes. Didn't drop the ball, didn't give no penalties away, and made it really hard for them...I think the first 30 minutes set a tone for us for the rest of the game."

Completing their first 12 sets, racking up four tries inside 25 minutes, and applying relentless pressure proved precisely what West Hull are capable of when they lock into their rhythm.

While West Hull’s success has always been built on a collective, hard-working ethos - featuring a core of senior leaders steering the ship - individual brilliance has rightfully earned the club national recognition this season.

West Hull boast two nominees for the prestigious Conference Player of the Year award, capped by a stunning win for young star Eligh Wilkinson. At just 20 years old, Wilkinson has been nothing short of a try-scoring machine, complementing his club form with international experience representing England's U19 Community Lions in their European Championship commitments.

Teammate Jack Sanderson has similarly drawn high praise for his work at centre and arrow-like goal-kicking. True to form, the squad remain remarkably grounded:

"People don't get talked about unless the team's doing their job collectively. Fortunately for Eligh, he's been on the end of a lot of work that's been done on the inside of him...he's a try-scoring machine, given that he's created a lot of tries of his own accord as well."

Standing between West Hull and the ultimate prize are old rivals Hunslet ARLFC. Having strengthened considerably mid-season and handed West Hull one of their rare bumps in the road just weeks ago, Hunslet are expected to bring a ferocious challenge.

Expectations are for a classic, bruising Grand Final battle between two heavyweights who have earned their right to be there.

"It's going to be a tough game for both sides. To be fair, I wouldn't like it any other way...we've both got qualities in both teams. We're aware of that. They've obviously recruited some lads mid-season and had a good push at the end of the year. Fair play to them."

With a mix of veterans who have tasted Grand Final glory before and younger heads eager to make their mark, West Hull know the recipe: get their own preparation right, stick to the process, and let the result take care of itself.

Beyond the silverware, the weekend is a celebration of the community. West Hull’s vociferous supporters have travelled the length and breadth of the country, backing the team through thick and thin. For players juggling young families, jobs, and a pure love of the game, Saturday is about more than just a trophy - it’s about making memories.

As the club step out onto the big stage, looking ahead to a massive couple of weeks that also includes upcoming National Cup commitments, the immediate focus is crystal clear. One week at a time. NCRL glory awaits one of these sides.

The NCRL Premier Division Grand Final will be hosted at the DIY Kitchens Stadium in Wakefield between West Hull and Hunslet ARLFC (K.O. 3:00 pm), and the match will be streamed live and free courtesy of the RFL YouTube channel.