[1] Bathurst Panthers entered the season as defending champions, after defeating Cowra Magpies 12–10 in the 2018 Premier League decider.

Neither team could build momentum as both sides continued to shoot themselves in the foot through handling errors or discipline issues, but the Dragons crowd came to life with two minutes remaining in the half, voicing their approval of a huge break down the middle from Ben Thompson.

Nathan Orr made the most of the chance close to the line, fending off an opponent before planting down the ball for the only try of the opening half.

After play resumed for the second-half, Panthers looked to their left wing for a response eight minutes into the new half, however, Louis Murphy was denied on the try line by desperate Dragons defence.

Another Orr fend gave the Dragons centre a chance to score in the 57th minute but a strong tackle from Josh Rivett put him into touch.

Extra-time would be five minutes each way and in their first chance to break the deadlock, captain-coach Doug Hewitt slotted home a field goal.