Photos: Waipapakauri Bombers claim TRL title in thrilling, controversial Grand Final

Fullback Sam Henry celebrates as he scores a second-half try for the Ōtāngarei Knights. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Waipapakauri Bombers v Ōtāngarei Knights

The Far North's Waipapakauri Bombers have been awarded the 2022 Taitokerau Rugby League title after one of the most thrilling, closely fought and controversial grand finals in living memory.

The home side, declared last year's joint winners with the Ōtāngarei Knights after the 2021 final was derailed by Covid, dominated the first half at Waipapakauri Domain on Saturday and looked to be heading for a comfortable win.

The second half, however, saw a gutsy comeback by the Knights — unbeaten all season and playing only their second year in the TRL — who fought their way back to 24-24 at full-time.

The Whangārei-based team missed two penalty attempts in extra time so, with the score still deadlocked, the title was awarded to the team that had scored the first try of the match.

The use of the rarely-applied rule sparked a protest but the result stood.

The close-fought game and controversial result — following on the heels of last year's joint win — will likely set up an intense rivalry for years to come.

It may also boost interest even further in a breakaway league that now thoroughly dominates the sport across Northland.

Grand Final results

Toa Ariki (premiership) division: Waipapakauri Bombers 24 Ōtāngarei Knights 24, win to Waipapakauri.

Rangatira division: Ngāti Kahu Sharks 34 Whangaroa Marlins 26.

So close... Ōtāngarei Knights fullback Sam Henry stretches out and gets the ball down as he's brought down in a bruising tackle, but he's just shy of the line. Photo / Peter de Graaf

No prizes for guessing Lynnette Hoterene, and her Scottish terrier-Maltese cross Milly, are huge fans of the Knights. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Halftime entertainment included children's running races on the pitch. Photo / Peter de Graaf

The Knights' Sam Henry fends off a tackle as he heads for a second-half try. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Waipapakauri Bombers captain Conor O'Sullivan hugs his partner Te Aumihi Jones and young son Hautangaroa moments after the win was awarded to the home side. Photo / Peter de Graaf

The Waipapakauri Bombers, with captain Conor O'Sullivan, right, hold the coveted TRL Grand Final shield. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Te Puhi Rudolph of the Waipapakauri Bombers gets a kick away. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Waipapakauri Bombers front-rower Elroy Pure looks for a gap. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Aisoli Unasa and Te Puhi Rudolph of the Bombers tackle an opponent. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Bombers fans cheer on their team from the sidelines. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Lock Daley Johnson kicks a conversion for the Ōtāngarei Knights. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Ōtāngarei Knights fullback Sam Henry goes high for the ball. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Ōtāngarei Knights fans cheer for their team. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Ōtāngarei Knights forward Chris Nahi was named the Grand Final's most valuable player, the TRL's best forward of 2022 and TRL player of the year. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Knights second-rower Andrew Davsion-Parata is taken down by the Bombers. Photo / Peter de Graaf

The Knights' Sam Henry dodges a tackle as he heads for a second-half try. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Waipapakauri Bombers players and fans celebrate their title win. Photo / Peter de Graaf

The Waipapakauri Bombers celebrate their win in the TRL Grand Final. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Bombers captain Conor O'Sullivan celebrates winning the TRL Grand Final shield. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Ōtāngarei Knights forward Chris Nahi caps off a stellar year by being named the Grand Final's most valuable player, the TRL's best forward of 2022 and TRL player of the year. Photo / Peter de Graaf