UPDATE: A shocking incident involving an eye gouge resulted in the send-off of Camden Sutton during a thrilling preliminary final between the Forbes Magpies and Mudgee Dragons at Spooner Oval on August 31, 2025. The Magpies emerged victorious with a decisive score of 34-10, dominating the match despite Mudgee playing with only 12 men for over an hour.
The drama unfolded early in the game as Sutton was issued a red card for the eye gouge during one of several brawls within the first 20 minutes. This critical loss for Mudgee set a tense tone for the remainder of the match. Despite the disadvantage, the Dragons showcased remarkable resilience, managing to score twice to briefly narrow the lead.
However, the Magpies’ relentless attack proved too powerful. Their quick passing and energetic forwards overwhelmed the Dragons’ defense, resulting in a total of seven tries throughout the match. The game also saw Nick Greenhalgh, Forbes’ halfback, taken off the field after receiving a hit from behind. Although he returned to warm up, Coach Cameron Greenhalgh opted to rest him for the upcoming grand final, allowing former premiership-winning half Jordan Hartwig to step in for a solid 65-minute performance.
Mudgee faced further challenges when David West was sent to the sin bin for a high shot just five minutes into the match, and Billy Carberry was sidelined due to a head injury assessment and did not return to play.
In the midst of the chaos, Forbes winger Connor Greenhalgh scored two tries, highlighting the team’s ability to adapt. “I think we adjusted really good,” he remarked. “We’ve got Jordy Hartwig to come into our side; he’s been there before and got us a title in the halves.”
Entering the 2025 season as favorites for the premiership, Forbes will now face Dubbo CYMS in a rematch of the 2022 PMP grand final. Greenhalgh expressed pride in his team’s journey, stating, “We’ve worked hard all season, and to do it with this group of boys is pretty special.”
The atmosphere at Spooner Oval was electric, with the Magpie army providing unwavering support. “Today was amazing,” Greenhalgh said, acknowledging the crucial role of their fans. “We’ve got the best crowd I reckon.”
As both teams recover from this intense match, all eyes will be on the grand final next Sunday, where the stakes have never been higher. Fans and players alike are eager to witness how the Magpies will perform against Dubbo, as they aim to capitalize on their momentum and secure the championship title.
Stay tuned for more updates as the grand final approaches.
