The heavy favourites proved too strong for arch rivals Mater Dei Catholic College, taking a 22-6 win at Equex Centre on Monday.

Kildare went through the competition undefeated as they claimed the crown as Wagga's best schoolboy rugby league team back for the first time since 2016.

Just like in each of their three earlier games in the competition Kildare only conceded one try on the way to victory.

However they faced by far their biggest challenge in the final with Mater Dei really pushing them, especially during an even first half.

Co-coach Matthew Conn was relieved they were able to put in all together on the big stage.

"It was in the balance right until the end," Conn said.

"Mater Dei came to play tonight and we let them play footy for a while but thankfully we got there.

"I'm a relieved coach as there were a few nerve wracking moments."

Sam Macklan opened the scoring after 10 minutes when he forced his way over after Kildare enjoyed a sustained period camped on Mater Dei's line.

However their lead was short lived and with six minutes remaining, following three sets of their own on the Kildare line, Todd Magnone barged his way over to level things.

Kildare captain Zac Fairall then scored a crucial try with 44 seconds left in the half.

Conn thought it gave the side plenty of momentum into the second half.

The momentum continued early in the second half when Ryan McInerney was the perfect spot to plant down a spilled kick and take Kildare out to a 16-6 lead.

However Mater Dei kept coming and it wasn't until Macklan slammed the ball down for his second with four to play that the result was sealed.

"When he had that 10-point lead and had a penalty in front I was should have taken the kick for the goal but I went for the try and thankfully it paid off in the end," Conn said.

While Macklan produced big moments in the grand final, it was Fairall who led the way with his consistent creativity at dummy half.

It helped edge him in front of his teammates to be named Rick Keast Medal winner as man of the match.

The hooker was just thrilled to help the team win.

"The boys put in a good effort, everyone did their job and ended up getting the win so it was good as," Fairall said.

"All the boys deserved it so I wasn't expecting it."

Kildare were beaten by Wagga High School in the 2017 grand final before being knocked by them in last year's semi-final after draw following golden point.

Their redemption made the win all the more sweet.

"It is an amazing feeling," Fairall said.

"I've never done it but tonight is the best feeling especially to come back after defeat last year."

Riley Browning and Ned Cooper also had big games for Kildare while Marcus Blair, Ben Pollack and Wilson Hamblin worked hard to try and get Mater Dei back into the contest.

FULL-TIME

KILDARE CATHOLIC COLLEGE 22 (Sam Macklan 2, Zac Fairall tries; Braith Crane 2 goals) d MATER DEI CATHOLIC COLLEGE 6 (Todd Magnone try; Jacob Ferguson goal)