Narrow losses in a grand final can usually have one of two impacts.

Either they can leave the losing team heartbroken and dispirited, or galvanised and more determined than ever to go one step further at their next opportunity.

At Dubbo on Sunday, it was clear that the Dreamtime Touch under 13s' grand final defeat at the National Indigenous Touch Knockout last year had the latter effect.

"They were definitely determined from last year's grand final loss," team co-coach Luke Raveneau said.

"They made a pact to go one better this year. They were still hurting from last year, losing that grand final. Especially with the same 14 from last year, losing in that grand final meant they knew what it took this year."

Prior to and throughout the course of the competition, the players oozed con

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