The Pirates finished second to the unbeaten Port Macquarie following the competition-proper, but a controversial loss in the opening week of the semi-finals meant the side had to play sudden death football to make the grand final.

Old Bar managed to do that, eliminating the Sharks in the final after Port City defeated Port Macquarie in the major semi. This set up the grand final clash against Port City at the Jack Neal Oval.

This was a bruising encounter, with the Pirates opening up an 8-0 lead early in the game before the Breakers hit back with a converted try to reduce the margin to two points.

However, the Pirates finished the stronger with two tries from dummy half to hooker/five-eighth Zayne Shutes proving to be the game breaker. He was named the player of the match.

Sam Eggins at lock was also strong for the Pirates.

"It wasn't flashy, but they managed to grind out a win,'' coach Josh Eggins said.

"It was a great effort by the boys, they all tried hard.''