Waratah-Mayfield Cheetahs are chasing a three-peat, while the Cardiff Cobras are hoping to end a 12-year drought.
That's what's on the line in the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League men's A-grade grand final.
It's one of 10 deciders at Lakeside Sports Complex in Raymond Terrace on Saturday, featuring 16 clubs in total.
For Cardiff, who qualified for the grand final with a 30-point major semi-final win over Waratah, they're hoping to claim their first A-grade title since 2014.
Several players returned to the club this year, the group vowing to win a premiership for late Cardiff stalwart Steve Janissen, who died last year after battling cancer.
"He served the club for 40-odd years," Cardiff player Jack Weaver said.
"We've all rallied together and are doing it for him. It's pretty close to everyone's heart. We've made something of it and it's all come together."
Steve's sons are part of the A-grade side; Daniel a player and club president, and Jeremy the coach.
"His wife, Therese, is still involved with the club too, so is his daughter Carlee," Weaver, who has been with the Cobras for eight years but will miss the grand final due to injury, said.
Cardiff enjoyed a 36-6 victory in the semis, but their clashes with Waratah in the regular season were much closer. Cardiff won 28-24 in round four, Waratah were victorious 26-16 in round seven and they had a 24-all draw in the last round.
Waratah have played in the past three grand finals, losing to Dora Creek before wins over Raymond Terrace and last year Dudley.
Chasing a title three-peat and for the first time by winning grand finals (Dora Creek won three during COVID-shortened seasons), Waratah president and A-grade player Jackson Myers said there would be no greater way to prove the club's credentials to play at a higher level than a third consecutive premiership.
The Cheetahs have previously expressed a desire to rise into the higher-tier Newcastle Rugby League, which they haven't been part of for more than 20 years.
The dream lives on.
"It would be a huge achievement," Myers said. "If we want to return to the Newcastle Rugby League competition, it probably helps if we show we've been at a high level for a period of time."
Cardiff and Waratah are the main game at 3.30pm. Both clubs also have women's teams playing earlier in the day. There is a strong geographical representation of clubs across the grand finals.
When the season kicked off, the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League had more than 2000 registered players, nine separate competitions, 37 clubs and 70 teams.
It spans from Swansea in the south to Dungog and Karuah in the north.
9am: Kotara v Gloucester (ladies league tag, C-grade)
9.15am: Central v Waratah (ladies league tag, A-grade)
10.15am: Easts Maitland v Shortland (ladies league tag, B-grade)
10.30am: Dudley v Cessnock (women's tackle Cup)
11.30am: Wallsend v Cardiff (women's tackle, Plate)
11.50am: Swansea v Westy (men's C-grade)
1pm: Wallsend v Mallabula (men's D-grade southern)
1.45pm: Kotara v Hinton (men's B-grade)
2.45pm: Raymond Terrace v Abermain (men's D-grade northern)
3.30pm: Cardiff v Waratah (men's A-grade)
