Hay stages stunning 20-point turnaround to book Group 20 decider berth

Hay Magpies pulled off a heart-stopping victory over the Griffith Waratahs at Leeton Showgrounds on Sunday, keeping their grand final dream alive while crushing the 'Tahs premiership hopes.

With just 18 minutes remaining on the clock, the Magpies were staring down the barrel of elimination, trailing by a seemingly insurmountable 20 points. What followed was a masterclass in never-say-die rugby league that had the vocal Hay contingent in raptures and left the Waratahs wondering how victory had slipped through their grasp.

The turnaround began when newly crowned Group 20 Player of the Year Ben Arandt crashed over the line, giving the Magpies their first glimmer of hope. The momentum shift was palpable as Jerry Balanawi's powerful busting run created the space for Anare Rokosusu to cross for his first try of the afternoon.

When Rokosusu found the line again just minutes later, the Hay faithful erupted and suddenly the 'Tahs' commanding lead had been whittled down to just four points. The pressure was building, and it was the Waratahs who cracked first.

After ignoring referee Connor Lynch's repeated warnings, Griffith half-back James Girdler was marched to the sin-bin for dissent with just over four minutes remaining—a crucial moment that would prove costly for the home district side.

With their opponents down to 12 men, Hay's determined defence frustrated every Waratahs attacking raid. The crowd sensed something special was brewing as the Magpies repeatedly forced the 'Tahs over the sideline, denying them the points that would have sealed the win.

Then came the moment that will live forever in Hay rugby league folklore. With seconds remaining on the clock, Kynan Headon powered over the line to level the scores and send the preliminary final into extra time. The roar from the Hay supporters could be heard across Leeton as their beloved Magpies had pulled off the impossible.

"These boys never give up," beamed Magpies coach Chris Stewart, who earlier in the weekend had been crowned Group 20 Coach of the Year. "We planned all week to finish strong and charge home, which is what we did."

The extra time period belonged to Hay. Just five minutes into the additional stanza, the powerful Balanawi used his strength to crash through the Waratahs' defensive line, stretching out to plant the ball with an outstretched arm for what would prove to be the match-winner.

From that moment, urged on by their increasingly confident supporters, the Magpies turned the screws. Wave after wave of attack kept the shell-shocked Waratahs pinned in their own half as Hay played out the remaining seven minutes with the composure of seasoned campaigners.

The atmosphere inside Leeton Showgrounds during those final minutes was nothing short of electric. Players and fans from across Group 20 were on their feet, swept up in the drama as the Magpies completed one of the most remarkable comebacks the club has played in recent memory.

For the Waratahs, it was a devastating end to what had been a promising campaign.

The Griffith side, coached by Brett Goldspink—son of late Magpies legend Kevin Goldspink—had looked destined for the grand final before their dramatic capitulation in the dying stages.

Stewart is already looking ahead to the decider and hoping for massive support from the Hay community.

"I hope all of Hay is there on Sunday," Stewart declared. "We need them all there."

If Sunday's preliminary final is anything to go by, the 2025 Group 20 grand final promises to be an absolute thriller. The Magpies have proven they can perform when the pressure is at its peak—now they'll need to do it one more time to claim the premiership.

Other results:

Hay Magpies women's tackle team also secured a dominating 38-12 win over Yanco Wamoon Hawks, to progress into Sunday's grand final.

Hay will be chasing back-to-back premierships, after winning the first ever Group 20 women's tackle grand final last year.

The reserve grade game between Griffith Waratahs and Darlington Point Roosters was a close affair, with 'Tahs taking the grinding win by six points.

Leeton Green's league tag soundly defeated Griffith Black & Whites 24 points to 4 to end the B&W season.

The Greens under 16s and under 18s teams will also play in Sundays big game, after winning both their preliminary finals.

The under 18s defeated Waratahs 36 to 6, while the under 16s defeated B&W by 22 points.

Who plays who in the grand finals

Under16s - 9am - TLU v Leeton

Under18s - 10.30am - Black & Whites v Leeton

League Tag - 12.00pm - West Wyalong v Leeton

Reserves - 1.15pm - Hay v Waratahs

Women's Tackle - 2.35pm - Hay v Waratahs

First Grade - 3.20pm - DPC v Hay

Who's still alive and who is a spectator

Hay Magpies - Grand final appearances in first and reserve grade and women's tackle marks the Magpies best season in many years

Leeton Greens - The Green will take their league tag, under 18s and under 16s side into Sunday's big games

Griffith Waratahs - After a promising season, only the reserves and women's tackle side are alive for the 'Tahs

Darlington Point Coleambally - The first grade side is the only team left to step up for the Roosters

West Wyalong - It's been a tough season for the league sides but the league tag will fly the flag for the Malle Men on Sunday

Black & Whites - The hopes of the B&W club lie with their under 18s side

Tullibigdeal Lakes United - Similar it is the TLU youngsters - the under 16s - who will carry the hopes of Sharks fans

Yenda - No grand final appearance

Yanco Wamoon - No grand final appearance