Lismore has a history of supporting its own, most recently during tough times. This week, our beloved city has the opportunity to get behind and support one of its iconic sporting teams, the Marist Brothers Rams First Grade team, as they play for glory in the 2025 NRRRL Grand Final.

The coach of the side that last played in a Grand Final in 2004, Owen King, has called for the town to get behind the 2025 Marist Brothers Rams by painting the town blue and gold.

"Back in the days when we were in the Grand Final in 2004 and before that, the town would get decorated. You know, a lot of shops had put blue and gold stuff in their windows. So hopefully that happens a bit this week," Owen told the Lismore App.

"The crowd support has always been good. I remember in 2004 the Mullumbimby ground was packed with Marist Brothers supporters. They all travelled up there. We had some tremendous support over the years."

The Rams have not only secured their first Grand Final in 21 years, but they are hosting it this Sunday afternoon (September 14) at Oakes Oval after top-of-the-ladder Cudgen lost to Murwillumbah on Sunday.

On Saturday afternoon, the Rams scored a convincing win over Bilambil, 20-6, to put them into the 2025 NRRRL Grand Final and have a chance at hosting the ultimate game at home as the Rams look to break a 22-year drought.

It is not just one Lismore Rams side into Sunday's Grand Final, the Ladies League Tag defeated Cudgen 12-10 to also secure a Grand Final birth.

It has been a long time between drinks for the first-grade male Rams side. In 2004, they lost to Mullumbimby 14-12, a year after climbing the summit in 2003, having defeated South Grafton 42-41 to hoist the premiership trophy.

The 2003 winning side was filled with some famous names:

• Mark Sivwright
• Brett Spears
• Paul Latta
• Scott McKinnon
• Niko Vakararawa
• David Krause
• Brent Peterson
• Shaun Coe
• Adam Mayes
• Tim Tredigo
• Des Maher
• Shannon Cameron
• Luke Campbell

• Paul Robinson
• Simon Andrews
• James Aubusson
• Nick Henry

(The 2003 Marist Brothers Rams Premiership side. The last time the club held the premiership cup aloft. Photo: supplied)

If the Rams can get over the line on Sunday, it would be a highlight for the Krause family.

David Krause captained the 2003 premiership side, and his son, Mitchell, is the captain of the 2025 Marist Brothers Rams. History beckons on Sunday.

While the Rams players hit the training track on Crozier Field this week, Lismore can give the side a lift by decorating shops and homes in the famous blue and gold colours and turn up on Sunday afternoon. There is nothing like a home-ground advantage.