Leichhardt Oval, Sunday 31 August 2025 – The TAFE NSW Polecats have etched their names into Sydney Metro League history, defeating Sydney University 18–12 in a gripping NSWRL Metro Combined Bronze Competition grand final at Leichhardt Oval.
In front of a passionate crowd, the two clubs once again delivered a classic decider, just as they did in 2024. And once again, it was the Polecats who lifted the trophy – securing their first back-to-back premierships since 1993–94.
The Match
The contest sparked into life almost immediately, with Polecats halfback Liam Greer darting over in the 3rd minute. Trent Farley added the extras for a 6–0 start. But Sydney Uni were quick to hit back, winger Lachlan Chwa crossing out wide in the 6th minute to cut the deficit.
Momentum swung again when Uni halfback Maxwell Linden-Smith sliced through in the 15th minute and converted his own try to give the Uni a 10–6 advantage.
The Polecats steadied through winger Russell Murtha, who finished a sweeping backline move in the 20th minute. Farley’s reliable boot made it 12–10, a lead the minor premiers carried into halftime.
The second half turned into an arm wrestle, with both defences standing tall. Linden-Smith kept Uni in the hunt with a penalty goal in the 51st minute to lock the scores at 12–12. For much of the half, it looked destined to go down to the wire.
And it did. With just three minutes left on the clock, Polecats second rower Nevada McMeekin crashed over in a moment that sent the Polecats faithful into raptures. Farley’s third conversion sealed the 18–12 victory.
Final Score
TAFE NSW Polecats 18
(Tries: Greer, Murtha, McMeekin; Goals: Farley 3/3)
Sydney University 12
(Tries: Chwa, Linden-Smith; Goals: Linden-Smith 2/3)
The 2025 Metro Combined Bronze season is now complete, with the Polecats crowned champions once again.
Polecats 2025 Back-to-Back Champions
