Mudgee Dragons under 16s coach Sebastian Flack believes his side has found the spark needed to take out this year’s Group 10 title.

The Dragons take on Lithgow Storm in the under 16s decider at Carrington Park in Bathurst on Saturday – the venue of all the Group 10 Junior Rugby League grand finals.

It is a replay of the under 14s decider two years ago as well as the incredible major semi-final match a fortnight ago at Glen Willow.

The Storm were victors on both occasions with their most recent meeting ending in extra-time 26-22.

Mudgee had to play Orange CYMS in the preliminary final last Saturday at Blayney and came away with a huge 32-22 win.

The unexpected return of Ethan Butler and Aidan Woods to the team for last week’s clash gave Mudgee the confidence they desperately needed.

They were down 12-8 at half-time but scored 16 points in a 20-minute period where they played with limited mistakes, flare in attack and solid defence.

CYMS fought back to get within four points but a late Mudgee try sealed the win.

It was that confidence of fighting back, as well as the injection of Butler and Woods, Flack believes will help his side to brave the storm of Lithgow.

“We have a lot of confidence by the way we played last week,” Flack said.

“We have beaten them twice this season and they obviously beat us in the major semi but we go in with a lot of confidence.”

In the major semi-final, Mudgee dropped a lot of ball but were able to get within four points of a grand final berth.

Flack said his team’s defence proved to be the key and it will be again.

“We talked about our ball handling. If we play like we did last week we will be right. Our defence on the fringes has been really good.”

Flack said Butler and Woods were expected to step up as were Joel Bodiam and Jack Beasley, but there were lesser known players who are the engine room of the team.

“Jake Madden has been the most improved player for the year. He will have a big impact,” Flack said.

“Jay Orth is someone who hasn’t been given much credit. He played Western this year and is safe at the back.”

Flack hopes there is plenty of support from Mudgee travelling over to Bathurst.

If they do win, it will be this age group’s first premiership.