University last claimed a Hunter Rugby Union premiership in 1988.
This capped a golden run for the club, a fourth glory in the space of five seasons.
Now, almost four decades later, this current crop of Sea Horses have given themselves the best possible chance of breaking that drought and writing their own piece of history.
University coach Josh Meads was embracing being "back in the big dance" after accounting for No.1 ranked Merewether 29-15 in Saturday's qualifying semi at No.2 Sportsground.
It will be the first time since 2008 the men wearing maroon and white hoops have featured in a HRU men's first-grade decider.
"First and foremost it's the first time the club have has been in a first-grade grand final since 2008, so from that perspective it's huge," Meads told the Newcastle Herald.
"And starting off the season, the goal was to obviously win. But all those steps and ticking boxes along the way and getting the games that we need. Yesterday was an important one that we really wanted to ice.
"Business as usual on Tuesday and in a couple of weeks time we've got another task at hand."
Saturday marked the second time University had beaten minor premiers Merewether this campaign, going down in rounds two (17-38) and eight (14-33) before breaking through in round 11 (38-33).
It was also a seventh straight victory for the Sea Horses, who last registered a loss on June 27.
They confirmed a spot in the qualifying semi by defeating defending champions Maitland away in the last round a fortnight ago, trading all-important places between second and third on the ladder.
"As the season's progressed we've started ticking a lot of boxes and it's become quite apparent we're genuine contenders. Now we're the first ones in and we've got an opportunity," Meads said.
"First and foremost we've got to get through another 80 minutes, but that would be huge to get our hands on that silverware.
"The effort from everyone all year plus the supporters, old boys and old girls who haven't seen that trophy in a long time.
"We'll build next week and then roll into finals week, go from there."
It was a tense opening 40 minutes in Newcastle West on August 22, bookended by a Merewether penalty goal and later try to No.8 Matthew Williams.
University crossed in between, going to the break with scores reading 8-7 in favour of the Greens.
The Sea Horses put themselves back ahead shortly after the resumption of play, courtesy of Jarome Wilson's pick and drive next to the posts.
But just past the hour mark it was a back-to-back double from fullback Paddy Small that tripled the advantage to 18 points - dancing over untouched out wide before backing up a midfield grubber kick and racing away to help make it 26-8.
"He [Small] is having a cracker season," Meads said about the University No.15.
Merewether nabbed a consolation try late while Sea Horses five-eighth Tute Grant slotted a penalty goal from in front right on full-time.
While pleased with the overall team effort, Meads felt that Wilson and second-row partner James Brough both performed strongly.
"The two boys in the row really got us that front foot ball and defended really well around the edges," the mentor said.
Meads and opposition coach Nick Bampton were confident both squads came though the qualifying semi unscathed injury wise.
University's Tiaan Brownless (ankle), currently sidelined, may become available for selection by the main showdown at the same venue on September 5.
"We've got a couple of boys on ice from a few weeks ago, so we'll tread lightly around them next weekend," Meads said.
"Tiaan Brownless has an ankle injury, but he's walking around better now and might be available.
"In saying that, we've got a team who did a job so we won't be looking too much into that."
Merewether will next play a preliminary final against rivals Wanderers, who killed off the premiership defence of Maitland with a 22-20 result at No.2 Sportsground on Sunday.
Two Blues winger Harry Sansbury scored in the corner with three minutes remaining to complete a come-from behind victory over the Blacks in the elimination semi.
