Prop Ridley, making his Illawarra representative debut, and his side opened their Caldwell Cup campaign with a gutsy 21-13 win against Newcastle - with Far North Coast edging Central Coast 26-20 in the other opening-round fixture.

The Scott Hatch-coached side, which also featured former Shoal Takunda Chimwaza, then took up Far North Coast in their second game at Scully Park, going down 24-19.

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This defeat saw them just miss out on a grand final spot, therefore ending the tournament in third place.

The final was taken out by Central West, who downed Far North Coast in the decider.

Illawarriors' Colts side, which contested the Rowland Cup, also finished the competition in third.

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The Colts, headlined by former Shoal Blake Gurney, opened with a 12-7 to Central Coast before defeating Hunter 21-7.

They then defeated New England 14-7 on Sunday, which was followed by a tough 5-3 defeat to Far North Coast.

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