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The Advertiser
a day ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Newcastle RL finals race tightens as Maitland win fifth-straight minor premiership
Maitland are home and hosed, that's what we know. Cessnock and The Entrance are a step closer to finals, shoring up their spots in Newcastle Rugby League's top five with wins on Sunday. The big losers in the finals race at the weekend, however, were Souths, Central and Wyong. Early-season front-runners Wyong have slipped to fourth, after suffering their third loss in four games. They lost to Cessnock 16-12 in a scrappy affair at Morry Breen Oval on Sunday. Missing two of their best players in injured duo Luke Huth and Brayden Musgrove, Cessnock produced a gritty performance to notch their fifth consecutive win. After looking in danger of missing the finals little more than a month ago, they are now second. But only a better for-and-against record is keeping them ahead of third-placed The Entrance, who beat Central 20-18 in a topsy-turvy contest at EDSACC Oval on Sunday. That result has left Central, last year's grand finalists, likely requiring three wins in their remaining three games to make the play-offs. They meet Lakes (away) on Wednesday night, before Northern Hawks (home) and Cessnock (away) over the following two weekends. Complicating who might finish where is the fact Cessnock host The Entrance next weekend, and Wests' match against Lakes was postponed on Sunday. Wests were third prior to the weekend but are now fifth. However, they have a game in hand on both Cessnock and The Entrance, and are a win ahead of Central and Souths. Competition-leaders Maitland secured their place in the finals and an historic fifth consecutive minor premiership on Saturday, all but ending South Newcastle's finals hopes with a 24-10 win at Townson Oval. Playing in front of more than 2000 fans on Sleapy's Day, a Souths' charity initiative, the Pickers came from 10-0 down to defeat the home side, scoring five unanswered tries. Trailing 10-6 heading into the second half, the visitors drew level seven minutes after the break and crossed for a further two tries before the 60th minute to take a commanding 14-point lead in muddy conditions. They held on to claim their sixth victory in a row and extend a lengthy winning streak over Souths in recent years. Souths would need to win their next two games, against Wyong and The Entrance, and have a string of highly-unlikely results fall their way to be a chance for the top five. In the other Sunday game, Kurri Kurri beat Macquarie 32-8 at Toronto to improve their record, but the competition's big improvers are in an even worse position than Souths despite moving to the same amount of points on the ladder. They have a terrible for-and-against and face Maitland in the last round after a bye. Returning from injury on Saturday, five-eighth Chad O'Donnell was on song for Maitland, who are now on track to claim an historic fourth-straight premiership. Jye Bieman-King, Luke Knight, Callan Burgess and Justin Norris were Maitland's try-scorers, while Tori Freeman-Quay and Tate Grainger crossed for Souths. Pickers coach Matt Lantry said he expected to be without versatile back James Bradley in coming games. "Miss a couple of weeks, a minor quad tear," he said. "We don't want to take any risks there, unlikely to play on the weekend but maybe in the last round." Maitland now move on to their old boys' day, and last home game for the regular season, against third-placed Wests on Saturday. POINTS TABLE: Maitland (27), Cessnock, The Entrance (22) Wyong (21), Wests (20), Souths, Central, Kurri (18), Macquarie (12), Lakes (10), Northern (2). Maitland are home and hosed, that's what we know. Cessnock and The Entrance are a step closer to finals, shoring up their spots in Newcastle Rugby League's top five with wins on Sunday. The big losers in the finals race at the weekend, however, were Souths, Central and Wyong. Early-season front-runners Wyong have slipped to fourth, after suffering their third loss in four games. They lost to Cessnock 16-12 in a scrappy affair at Morry Breen Oval on Sunday. Missing two of their best players in injured duo Luke Huth and Brayden Musgrove, Cessnock produced a gritty performance to notch their fifth consecutive win. After looking in danger of missing the finals little more than a month ago, they are now second. But only a better for-and-against record is keeping them ahead of third-placed The Entrance, who beat Central 20-18 in a topsy-turvy contest at EDSACC Oval on Sunday. That result has left Central, last year's grand finalists, likely requiring three wins in their remaining three games to make the play-offs. They meet Lakes (away) on Wednesday night, before Northern Hawks (home) and Cessnock (away) over the following two weekends. Complicating who might finish where is the fact Cessnock host The Entrance next weekend, and Wests' match against Lakes was postponed on Sunday. Wests were third prior to the weekend but are now fifth. However, they have a game in hand on both Cessnock and The Entrance, and are a win ahead of Central and Souths. Competition-leaders Maitland secured their place in the finals and an historic fifth consecutive minor premiership on Saturday, all but ending South Newcastle's finals hopes with a 24-10 win at Townson Oval. Playing in front of more than 2000 fans on Sleapy's Day, a Souths' charity initiative, the Pickers came from 10-0 down to defeat the home side, scoring five unanswered tries. Trailing 10-6 heading into the second half, the visitors drew level seven minutes after the break and crossed for a further two tries before the 60th minute to take a commanding 14-point lead in muddy conditions. They held on to claim their sixth victory in a row and extend a lengthy winning streak over Souths in recent years. Souths would need to win their next two games, against Wyong and The Entrance, and have a string of highly-unlikely results fall their way to be a chance for the top five. In the other Sunday game, Kurri Kurri beat Macquarie 32-8 at Toronto to improve their record, but the competition's big improvers are in an even worse position than Souths despite moving to the same amount of points on the ladder. They have a terrible for-and-against and face Maitland in the last round after a bye. Returning from injury on Saturday, five-eighth Chad O'Donnell was on song for Maitland, who are now on track to claim an historic fourth-straight premiership. Jye Bieman-King, Luke Knight, Callan Burgess and Justin Norris were Maitland's try-scorers, while Tori Freeman-Quay and Tate Grainger crossed for Souths. Pickers coach Matt Lantry said he expected to be without versatile back James Bradley in coming games. "Miss a couple of weeks, a minor quad tear," he said. "We don't want to take any risks there, unlikely to play on the weekend but maybe in the last round." Maitland now move on to their old boys' day, and last home game for the regular season, against third-placed Wests on Saturday. POINTS TABLE: Maitland (27), Cessnock, The Entrance (22) Wyong (21), Wests (20), Souths, Central, Kurri (18), Macquarie (12), Lakes (10), Northern (2). Maitland are home and hosed, that's what we know. Cessnock and The Entrance are a step closer to finals, shoring up their spots in Newcastle Rugby League's top five with wins on Sunday. The big losers in the finals race at the weekend, however, were Souths, Central and Wyong. Early-season front-runners Wyong have slipped to fourth, after suffering their third loss in four games. They lost to Cessnock 16-12 in a scrappy affair at Morry Breen Oval on Sunday. Missing two of their best players in injured duo Luke Huth and Brayden Musgrove, Cessnock produced a gritty performance to notch their fifth consecutive win. After looking in danger of missing the finals little more than a month ago, they are now second. But only a better for-and-against record is keeping them ahead of third-placed The Entrance, who beat Central 20-18 in a topsy-turvy contest at EDSACC Oval on Sunday. That result has left Central, last year's grand finalists, likely requiring three wins in their remaining three games to make the play-offs. They meet Lakes (away) on Wednesday night, before Northern Hawks (home) and Cessnock (away) over the following two weekends. Complicating who might finish where is the fact Cessnock host The Entrance next weekend, and Wests' match against Lakes was postponed on Sunday. Wests were third prior to the weekend but are now fifth. However, they have a game in hand on both Cessnock and The Entrance, and are a win ahead of Central and Souths. Competition-leaders Maitland secured their place in the finals and an historic fifth consecutive minor premiership on Saturday, all but ending South Newcastle's finals hopes with a 24-10 win at Townson Oval. Playing in front of more than 2000 fans on Sleapy's Day, a Souths' charity initiative, the Pickers came from 10-0 down to defeat the home side, scoring five unanswered tries. Trailing 10-6 heading into the second half, the visitors drew level seven minutes after the break and crossed for a further two tries before the 60th minute to take a commanding 14-point lead in muddy conditions. They held on to claim their sixth victory in a row and extend a lengthy winning streak over Souths in recent years. Souths would need to win their next two games, against Wyong and The Entrance, and have a string of highly-unlikely results fall their way to be a chance for the top five. In the other Sunday game, Kurri Kurri beat Macquarie 32-8 at Toronto to improve their record, but the competition's big improvers are in an even worse position than Souths despite moving to the same amount of points on the ladder. They have a terrible for-and-against and face Maitland in the last round after a bye. Returning from injury on Saturday, five-eighth Chad O'Donnell was on song for Maitland, who are now on track to claim an historic fourth-straight premiership. Jye Bieman-King, Luke Knight, Callan Burgess and Justin Norris were Maitland's try-scorers, while Tori Freeman-Quay and Tate Grainger crossed for Souths. Pickers coach Matt Lantry said he expected to be without versatile back James Bradley in coming games. "Miss a couple of weeks, a minor quad tear," he said. "We don't want to take any risks there, unlikely to play on the weekend but maybe in the last round." Maitland now move on to their old boys' day, and last home game for the regular season, against third-placed Wests on Saturday. POINTS TABLE: Maitland (27), Cessnock, The Entrance (22) Wyong (21), Wests (20), Souths, Central, Kurri (18), Macquarie (12), Lakes (10), Northern (2). Maitland are home and hosed, that's what we know. Cessnock and The Entrance are a step closer to finals, shoring up their spots in Newcastle Rugby League's top five with wins on Sunday. The big losers in the finals race at the weekend, however, were Souths, Central and Wyong. Early-season front-runners Wyong have slipped to fourth, after suffering their third loss in four games. They lost to Cessnock 16-12 in a scrappy affair at Morry Breen Oval on Sunday. Missing two of their best players in injured duo Luke Huth and Brayden Musgrove, Cessnock produced a gritty performance to notch their fifth consecutive win. After looking in danger of missing the finals little more than a month ago, they are now second. But only a better for-and-against record is keeping them ahead of third-placed The Entrance, who beat Central 20-18 in a topsy-turvy contest at EDSACC Oval on Sunday. That result has left Central, last year's grand finalists, likely requiring three wins in their remaining three games to make the play-offs. They meet Lakes (away) on Wednesday night, before Northern Hawks (home) and Cessnock (away) over the following two weekends. Complicating who might finish where is the fact Cessnock host The Entrance next weekend, and Wests' match against Lakes was postponed on Sunday. Wests were third prior to the weekend but are now fifth. However, they have a game in hand on both Cessnock and The Entrance, and are a win ahead of Central and Souths. Competition-leaders Maitland secured their place in the finals and an historic fifth consecutive minor premiership on Saturday, all but ending South Newcastle's finals hopes with a 24-10 win at Townson Oval. Playing in front of more than 2000 fans on Sleapy's Day, a Souths' charity initiative, the Pickers came from 10-0 down to defeat the home side, scoring five unanswered tries. Trailing 10-6 heading into the second half, the visitors drew level seven minutes after the break and crossed for a further two tries before the 60th minute to take a commanding 14-point lead in muddy conditions. They held on to claim their sixth victory in a row and extend a lengthy winning streak over Souths in recent years. Souths would need to win their next two games, against Wyong and The Entrance, and have a string of highly-unlikely results fall their way to be a chance for the top five. In the other Sunday game, Kurri Kurri beat Macquarie 32-8 at Toronto to improve their record, but the competition's big improvers are in an even worse position than Souths despite moving to the same amount of points on the ladder. They have a terrible for-and-against and face Maitland in the last round after a bye. Returning from injury on Saturday, five-eighth Chad O'Donnell was on song for Maitland, who are now on track to claim an historic fourth-straight premiership. Jye Bieman-King, Luke Knight, Callan Burgess and Justin Norris were Maitland's try-scorers, while Tori Freeman-Quay and Tate Grainger crossed for Souths. Pickers coach Matt Lantry said he expected to be without versatile back James Bradley in coming games. "Miss a couple of weeks, a minor quad tear," he said. "We don't want to take any risks there, unlikely to play on the weekend but maybe in the last round." Maitland now move on to their old boys' day, and last home game for the regular season, against third-placed Wests on Saturday. POINTS TABLE: Maitland (27), Cessnock, The Entrance (22) Wyong (21), Wests (20), Souths, Central, Kurri (18), Macquarie (12), Lakes (10), Northern (2).
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Maitland all but seal fifth-straight NEWRL minor title with Sleapy's Day win over Souths
Maitland have all but sealed a fifth consecutive minor premiership after defeating South Newcastle 24-10 at Townson Oval on Saturday. The Pickers, notching their sixth consecutive win, overcame the Lions in front of more than 2000 supporters on a boggy pitch during the Merewether club's annual charity event, Sleapy's Day. Souths had shot out to a 10-0 lead in the first half and looked the better side until Maitland hit back a few minutes before half-time. Trailing 10-6, the visitors drew level seven minutes after the break and crossed for a further two tries before the 60th minute to take a commanding 14-point lead in muddy conditions. They held on to claim their sixth victory in a row and one of several they've had over Souths in recent years. It moved them six points clear at the top of the Newcastle Rugby League ladder, ahead of second-placed Wyong who are now only a highly-unlikely mathematical chance of stopping Maitland from claiming a fifth-straight minor title. Maitland would have to lose their two remaining games by significant margins, and Wyong win their next three in similar fashion, to overturn a more than 100-point difference in their for-and-against results. Five-eighth Chad O'Donnell returned from injury and was on song Maitland, who are now on track to claim an historic four-straight title. Jye Bieman-King, Luke Knight, Callan Burgess and Justin Norris were the Pickers' try-scorers, while Tori Freeman-Quay and Tate Grainger crossed for Souths. The Lions' finals hopes will now likely hinge other results. They are sixth ahead of Sunday's games with two matches left to play in coming weeks. They host Wyong next week before travelling to fifth-placed The Entrance in the last round. In other games this weekend, all at 3pm on Sunday, Lakes are at home to Wests, Central travel to The Entrance, Macquarie welcome Kurri Kurri and Cessnock make the trip to Wyong. Central and Lakes' catch-up game scheduled for last Tuesday was postponed to the coming week. POINTS TABLE: Maitland (27), Wyong (21), Wests, Cessnock, The Entrance (20), Souths, Central (18), Kurri (16), Macquarie (12), Lakes (10), Northern (2). Maitland have all but sealed a fifth consecutive minor premiership after defeating South Newcastle 24-10 at Townson Oval on Saturday. The Pickers, notching their sixth consecutive win, overcame the Lions in front of more than 2000 supporters on a boggy pitch during the Merewether club's annual charity event, Sleapy's Day. Souths had shot out to a 10-0 lead in the first half and looked the better side until Maitland hit back a few minutes before half-time. Trailing 10-6, the visitors drew level seven minutes after the break and crossed for a further two tries before the 60th minute to take a commanding 14-point lead in muddy conditions. They held on to claim their sixth victory in a row and one of several they've had over Souths in recent years. It moved them six points clear at the top of the Newcastle Rugby League ladder, ahead of second-placed Wyong who are now only a highly-unlikely mathematical chance of stopping Maitland from claiming a fifth-straight minor title. Maitland would have to lose their two remaining games by significant margins, and Wyong win their next three in similar fashion, to overturn a more than 100-point difference in their for-and-against results. Five-eighth Chad O'Donnell returned from injury and was on song Maitland, who are now on track to claim an historic four-straight title. Jye Bieman-King, Luke Knight, Callan Burgess and Justin Norris were the Pickers' try-scorers, while Tori Freeman-Quay and Tate Grainger crossed for Souths. The Lions' finals hopes will now likely hinge other results. They are sixth ahead of Sunday's games with two matches left to play in coming weeks. They host Wyong next week before travelling to fifth-placed The Entrance in the last round. In other games this weekend, all at 3pm on Sunday, Lakes are at home to Wests, Central travel to The Entrance, Macquarie welcome Kurri Kurri and Cessnock make the trip to Wyong. Central and Lakes' catch-up game scheduled for last Tuesday was postponed to the coming week. POINTS TABLE: Maitland (27), Wyong (21), Wests, Cessnock, The Entrance (20), Souths, Central (18), Kurri (16), Macquarie (12), Lakes (10), Northern (2). Maitland have all but sealed a fifth consecutive minor premiership after defeating South Newcastle 24-10 at Townson Oval on Saturday. The Pickers, notching their sixth consecutive win, overcame the Lions in front of more than 2000 supporters on a boggy pitch during the Merewether club's annual charity event, Sleapy's Day. Souths had shot out to a 10-0 lead in the first half and looked the better side until Maitland hit back a few minutes before half-time. Trailing 10-6, the visitors drew level seven minutes after the break and crossed for a further two tries before the 60th minute to take a commanding 14-point lead in muddy conditions. They held on to claim their sixth victory in a row and one of several they've had over Souths in recent years. It moved them six points clear at the top of the Newcastle Rugby League ladder, ahead of second-placed Wyong who are now only a highly-unlikely mathematical chance of stopping Maitland from claiming a fifth-straight minor title. Maitland would have to lose their two remaining games by significant margins, and Wyong win their next three in similar fashion, to overturn a more than 100-point difference in their for-and-against results. Five-eighth Chad O'Donnell returned from injury and was on song Maitland, who are now on track to claim an historic four-straight title. Jye Bieman-King, Luke Knight, Callan Burgess and Justin Norris were the Pickers' try-scorers, while Tori Freeman-Quay and Tate Grainger crossed for Souths. The Lions' finals hopes will now likely hinge other results. They are sixth ahead of Sunday's games with two matches left to play in coming weeks. They host Wyong next week before travelling to fifth-placed The Entrance in the last round. In other games this weekend, all at 3pm on Sunday, Lakes are at home to Wests, Central travel to The Entrance, Macquarie welcome Kurri Kurri and Cessnock make the trip to Wyong. Central and Lakes' catch-up game scheduled for last Tuesday was postponed to the coming week. POINTS TABLE: Maitland (27), Wyong (21), Wests, Cessnock, The Entrance (20), Souths, Central (18), Kurri (16), Macquarie (12), Lakes (10), Northern (2). Maitland have all but sealed a fifth consecutive minor premiership after defeating South Newcastle 24-10 at Townson Oval on Saturday. The Pickers, notching their sixth consecutive win, overcame the Lions in front of more than 2000 supporters on a boggy pitch during the Merewether club's annual charity event, Sleapy's Day. Souths had shot out to a 10-0 lead in the first half and looked the better side until Maitland hit back a few minutes before half-time. Trailing 10-6, the visitors drew level seven minutes after the break and crossed for a further two tries before the 60th minute to take a commanding 14-point lead in muddy conditions. They held on to claim their sixth victory in a row and one of several they've had over Souths in recent years. It moved them six points clear at the top of the Newcastle Rugby League ladder, ahead of second-placed Wyong who are now only a highly-unlikely mathematical chance of stopping Maitland from claiming a fifth-straight minor title. Maitland would have to lose their two remaining games by significant margins, and Wyong win their next three in similar fashion, to overturn a more than 100-point difference in their for-and-against results. Five-eighth Chad O'Donnell returned from injury and was on song Maitland, who are now on track to claim an historic four-straight title. Jye Bieman-King, Luke Knight, Callan Burgess and Justin Norris were the Pickers' try-scorers, while Tori Freeman-Quay and Tate Grainger crossed for Souths. The Lions' finals hopes will now likely hinge other results. They are sixth ahead of Sunday's games with two matches left to play in coming weeks. They host Wyong next week before travelling to fifth-placed The Entrance in the last round. In other games this weekend, all at 3pm on Sunday, Lakes are at home to Wests, Central travel to The Entrance, Macquarie welcome Kurri Kurri and Cessnock make the trip to Wyong. Central and Lakes' catch-up game scheduled for last Tuesday was postponed to the coming week. POINTS TABLE: Maitland (27), Wyong (21), Wests, Cessnock, The Entrance (20), Souths, Central (18), Kurri (16), Macquarie (12), Lakes (10), Northern (2).
The Advertiser
19-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Central, Wyong set for third game in eight days as NEWRL finals race heats up
Less than a month ago, they were second-last. The 2024 grand finalist's season looked to be slipping away. But after a sixth consecutive win mid-week over Newcastle Rugby League front-runners Wyong, Central Newcastle could be in the top three by the end of this weekend. The Butcher Boys, who beat second-placed Wyong 16-6 at St John Oval on Wednesday night, return to their home ground again on Sunday to face Cessnock. It will be Central's third game in eight days, and shapes as another important clash on the run towards the NEWRL finals. Cessnock are fourth, and themselves in a fight to stay in the top five. Wests, Central, Cessnock and The Entrance are placed third to sixth, and all on 16 competition points. South Newcastle and Kurri Kurri, on 14 points, hover in seventh and eighth, and remain well in finals contention ahead of the last five rounds. Intriguingly, Central and Cessnock are the only teams in the mix that play each other twice on the run home - this Sunday and in the last round. "We had four blokes out, a few little injuries, but we just got out-played Wednesday night," Wyong coach Tony Gleeson said. "Just out-enthused if anything. They put us on the back foot from the word go. "Their efforts on the try-line, combined with our lack of cohesion ... made it really hard to score tries. "The thing about Central, I coached a lot of those guys at Hunter Sports High and in the Knights' system, and they're a really good team. They play for each other. That's their strength - they play really well together." Wyong are also set to play their third game in eight days, hosting ninth-placed Lakes United on Sunday. In other round-14 games, Wests host Maitland and The Entrance travel to Kurri Kurri on Saturday. Northern Hawks and Macquarie meet at Tomaree on Sunday. Wyong and leaders Maitland, on 19 points, are three points clear at the top of the table. But with only five games left to play, compared to Maitland, Wests and The Entrance who have six, Wyong aren't home and hosed for the finals, despite a relatively easy run home - including their next three games at home. "It's a real worrying period, we're certainly not looking too far ahead," Gleeson said. "Our last two performances were less than what we're capable of, against the Northern Hawks and Central. It's a big eight days for us. "Because the ladder is so close, you don't want to be complacent. You've really got to focus on who you're playing next, and Lakes will be desperate." Wyong should welcome back centre Matt Ikuvalu and back-rower Jye Boyle for the 3pm match at Morry Breen Oval. Playmaker Jack Kelly has been named on Lakes' bench, but Ryan Stig was named at halfback. The Wests and Maitland match at Harker Oval shapes as a classic, while the other intriguing clash is The Entrance and Kurri Kurri. For the first time in the NEWRL, Kurri coach Paul Stringer faces the side he had been earmarked to coach last year, before The Entrance back-flipped and retained Jamy Forbes after backlash late in the 2023 season. Ben O'Connell took over for 2024. Stringer joined Kurri ahead of this season and has helped them to a 6-5 record, after they went more than two seasons without a win. Less than a month ago, they were second-last. The 2024 grand finalist's season looked to be slipping away. But after a sixth consecutive win mid-week over Newcastle Rugby League front-runners Wyong, Central Newcastle could be in the top three by the end of this weekend. The Butcher Boys, who beat second-placed Wyong 16-6 at St John Oval on Wednesday night, return to their home ground again on Sunday to face Cessnock. It will be Central's third game in eight days, and shapes as another important clash on the run towards the NEWRL finals. Cessnock are fourth, and themselves in a fight to stay in the top five. Wests, Central, Cessnock and The Entrance are placed third to sixth, and all on 16 competition points. South Newcastle and Kurri Kurri, on 14 points, hover in seventh and eighth, and remain well in finals contention ahead of the last five rounds. Intriguingly, Central and Cessnock are the only teams in the mix that play each other twice on the run home - this Sunday and in the last round. "We had four blokes out, a few little injuries, but we just got out-played Wednesday night," Wyong coach Tony Gleeson said. "Just out-enthused if anything. They put us on the back foot from the word go. "Their efforts on the try-line, combined with our lack of cohesion ... made it really hard to score tries. "The thing about Central, I coached a lot of those guys at Hunter Sports High and in the Knights' system, and they're a really good team. They play for each other. That's their strength - they play really well together." Wyong are also set to play their third game in eight days, hosting ninth-placed Lakes United on Sunday. In other round-14 games, Wests host Maitland and The Entrance travel to Kurri Kurri on Saturday. Northern Hawks and Macquarie meet at Tomaree on Sunday. Wyong and leaders Maitland, on 19 points, are three points clear at the top of the table. But with only five games left to play, compared to Maitland, Wests and The Entrance who have six, Wyong aren't home and hosed for the finals, despite a relatively easy run home - including their next three games at home. "It's a real worrying period, we're certainly not looking too far ahead," Gleeson said. "Our last two performances were less than what we're capable of, against the Northern Hawks and Central. It's a big eight days for us. "Because the ladder is so close, you don't want to be complacent. You've really got to focus on who you're playing next, and Lakes will be desperate." Wyong should welcome back centre Matt Ikuvalu and back-rower Jye Boyle for the 3pm match at Morry Breen Oval. Playmaker Jack Kelly has been named on Lakes' bench, but Ryan Stig was named at halfback. The Wests and Maitland match at Harker Oval shapes as a classic, while the other intriguing clash is The Entrance and Kurri Kurri. For the first time in the NEWRL, Kurri coach Paul Stringer faces the side he had been earmarked to coach last year, before The Entrance back-flipped and retained Jamy Forbes after backlash late in the 2023 season. Ben O'Connell took over for 2024. Stringer joined Kurri ahead of this season and has helped them to a 6-5 record, after they went more than two seasons without a win. Less than a month ago, they were second-last. The 2024 grand finalist's season looked to be slipping away. But after a sixth consecutive win mid-week over Newcastle Rugby League front-runners Wyong, Central Newcastle could be in the top three by the end of this weekend. The Butcher Boys, who beat second-placed Wyong 16-6 at St John Oval on Wednesday night, return to their home ground again on Sunday to face Cessnock. It will be Central's third game in eight days, and shapes as another important clash on the run towards the NEWRL finals. Cessnock are fourth, and themselves in a fight to stay in the top five. Wests, Central, Cessnock and The Entrance are placed third to sixth, and all on 16 competition points. South Newcastle and Kurri Kurri, on 14 points, hover in seventh and eighth, and remain well in finals contention ahead of the last five rounds. Intriguingly, Central and Cessnock are the only teams in the mix that play each other twice on the run home - this Sunday and in the last round. "We had four blokes out, a few little injuries, but we just got out-played Wednesday night," Wyong coach Tony Gleeson said. "Just out-enthused if anything. They put us on the back foot from the word go. "Their efforts on the try-line, combined with our lack of cohesion ... made it really hard to score tries. "The thing about Central, I coached a lot of those guys at Hunter Sports High and in the Knights' system, and they're a really good team. They play for each other. That's their strength - they play really well together." Wyong are also set to play their third game in eight days, hosting ninth-placed Lakes United on Sunday. In other round-14 games, Wests host Maitland and The Entrance travel to Kurri Kurri on Saturday. Northern Hawks and Macquarie meet at Tomaree on Sunday. Wyong and leaders Maitland, on 19 points, are three points clear at the top of the table. But with only five games left to play, compared to Maitland, Wests and The Entrance who have six, Wyong aren't home and hosed for the finals, despite a relatively easy run home - including their next three games at home. "It's a real worrying period, we're certainly not looking too far ahead," Gleeson said. "Our last two performances were less than what we're capable of, against the Northern Hawks and Central. It's a big eight days for us. "Because the ladder is so close, you don't want to be complacent. You've really got to focus on who you're playing next, and Lakes will be desperate." Wyong should welcome back centre Matt Ikuvalu and back-rower Jye Boyle for the 3pm match at Morry Breen Oval. Playmaker Jack Kelly has been named on Lakes' bench, but Ryan Stig was named at halfback. The Wests and Maitland match at Harker Oval shapes as a classic, while the other intriguing clash is The Entrance and Kurri Kurri. For the first time in the NEWRL, Kurri coach Paul Stringer faces the side he had been earmarked to coach last year, before The Entrance back-flipped and retained Jamy Forbes after backlash late in the 2023 season. Ben O'Connell took over for 2024. Stringer joined Kurri ahead of this season and has helped them to a 6-5 record, after they went more than two seasons without a win. Less than a month ago, they were second-last. The 2024 grand finalist's season looked to be slipping away. But after a sixth consecutive win mid-week over Newcastle Rugby League front-runners Wyong, Central Newcastle could be in the top three by the end of this weekend. The Butcher Boys, who beat second-placed Wyong 16-6 at St John Oval on Wednesday night, return to their home ground again on Sunday to face Cessnock. It will be Central's third game in eight days, and shapes as another important clash on the run towards the NEWRL finals. Cessnock are fourth, and themselves in a fight to stay in the top five. Wests, Central, Cessnock and The Entrance are placed third to sixth, and all on 16 competition points. South Newcastle and Kurri Kurri, on 14 points, hover in seventh and eighth, and remain well in finals contention ahead of the last five rounds. Intriguingly, Central and Cessnock are the only teams in the mix that play each other twice on the run home - this Sunday and in the last round. "We had four blokes out, a few little injuries, but we just got out-played Wednesday night," Wyong coach Tony Gleeson said. "Just out-enthused if anything. They put us on the back foot from the word go. "Their efforts on the try-line, combined with our lack of cohesion ... made it really hard to score tries. "The thing about Central, I coached a lot of those guys at Hunter Sports High and in the Knights' system, and they're a really good team. They play for each other. That's their strength - they play really well together." Wyong are also set to play their third game in eight days, hosting ninth-placed Lakes United on Sunday. In other round-14 games, Wests host Maitland and The Entrance travel to Kurri Kurri on Saturday. Northern Hawks and Macquarie meet at Tomaree on Sunday. Wyong and leaders Maitland, on 19 points, are three points clear at the top of the table. But with only five games left to play, compared to Maitland, Wests and The Entrance who have six, Wyong aren't home and hosed for the finals, despite a relatively easy run home - including their next three games at home. "It's a real worrying period, we're certainly not looking too far ahead," Gleeson said. "Our last two performances were less than what we're capable of, against the Northern Hawks and Central. It's a big eight days for us. "Because the ladder is so close, you don't want to be complacent. You've really got to focus on who you're playing next, and Lakes will be desperate." Wyong should welcome back centre Matt Ikuvalu and back-rower Jye Boyle for the 3pm match at Morry Breen Oval. Playmaker Jack Kelly has been named on Lakes' bench, but Ryan Stig was named at halfback. The Wests and Maitland match at Harker Oval shapes as a classic, while the other intriguing clash is The Entrance and Kurri Kurri. For the first time in the NEWRL, Kurri coach Paul Stringer faces the side he had been earmarked to coach last year, before The Entrance back-flipped and retained Jamy Forbes after backlash late in the 2023 season. Ben O'Connell took over for 2024. Stringer joined Kurri ahead of this season and has helped them to a 6-5 record, after they went more than two seasons without a win.
The Advertiser
09-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Knights flyer's brother joins Newcastle Rugby League club
Alex Young, the brother of Knights winger Dominic Young, is set to land in the Newcastle Rugby League. The Cessnock Goannas announced Alex's signing late Tuesday night. "Welcome to Cessnock Goannas," the club wrote in social media posts. Alex's recruitment comes after Dom returned to the Knights a few weeks ago. The brothers were previously at the Sydney Roosters together. Alex, now 26, played in the lower grades in England before joining his younger brother at the Roosters ahead of the 2024 NRL season. Dom, 23, left Newcastle after the the 2023 campaign and a three-year stint at the Knights, but returned last month and is contracted for the next two seasons. Alex, who pursued a legal career whilst playing in England, was on a development deal at the Roosters. The Jamaican international only played a handful of NSW Cup games, mostly turning out for Glebe Dirty Reds in the Ron Massey Cup, which is essentially the third tier of rugby league in NSW. Dom has shared Cessnock's Instagram post with the news of his brother's signing. After some mixed form in the first half of the season, Cessnock are placed fifth heading into round 13. The 5-5 Coalfields club beat Wests 28-20 last round and travel to Toronto to face Macquarie, who are second last, on Saturday. It's not yet clear how many points Alex will be worth towards Cessnock's player points cap. Newcastle Rugby League is yet to update the database on its website. Alex Young, the brother of Knights winger Dominic Young, is set to land in the Newcastle Rugby League. The Cessnock Goannas announced Alex's signing late Tuesday night. "Welcome to Cessnock Goannas," the club wrote in social media posts. Alex's recruitment comes after Dom returned to the Knights a few weeks ago. The brothers were previously at the Sydney Roosters together. Alex, now 26, played in the lower grades in England before joining his younger brother at the Roosters ahead of the 2024 NRL season. Dom, 23, left Newcastle after the the 2023 campaign and a three-year stint at the Knights, but returned last month and is contracted for the next two seasons. Alex, who pursued a legal career whilst playing in England, was on a development deal at the Roosters. The Jamaican international only played a handful of NSW Cup games, mostly turning out for Glebe Dirty Reds in the Ron Massey Cup, which is essentially the third tier of rugby league in NSW. Dom has shared Cessnock's Instagram post with the news of his brother's signing. After some mixed form in the first half of the season, Cessnock are placed fifth heading into round 13. The 5-5 Coalfields club beat Wests 28-20 last round and travel to Toronto to face Macquarie, who are second last, on Saturday. It's not yet clear how many points Alex will be worth towards Cessnock's player points cap. Newcastle Rugby League is yet to update the database on its website. Alex Young, the brother of Knights winger Dominic Young, is set to land in the Newcastle Rugby League. The Cessnock Goannas announced Alex's signing late Tuesday night. "Welcome to Cessnock Goannas," the club wrote in social media posts. Alex's recruitment comes after Dom returned to the Knights a few weeks ago. The brothers were previously at the Sydney Roosters together. Alex, now 26, played in the lower grades in England before joining his younger brother at the Roosters ahead of the 2024 NRL season. Dom, 23, left Newcastle after the the 2023 campaign and a three-year stint at the Knights, but returned last month and is contracted for the next two seasons. Alex, who pursued a legal career whilst playing in England, was on a development deal at the Roosters. The Jamaican international only played a handful of NSW Cup games, mostly turning out for Glebe Dirty Reds in the Ron Massey Cup, which is essentially the third tier of rugby league in NSW. Dom has shared Cessnock's Instagram post with the news of his brother's signing. After some mixed form in the first half of the season, Cessnock are placed fifth heading into round 13. The 5-5 Coalfields club beat Wests 28-20 last round and travel to Toronto to face Macquarie, who are second last, on Saturday. It's not yet clear how many points Alex will be worth towards Cessnock's player points cap. Newcastle Rugby League is yet to update the database on its website. Alex Young, the brother of Knights winger Dominic Young, is set to land in the Newcastle Rugby League. The Cessnock Goannas announced Alex's signing late Tuesday night. "Welcome to Cessnock Goannas," the club wrote in social media posts. Alex's recruitment comes after Dom returned to the Knights a few weeks ago. The brothers were previously at the Sydney Roosters together. Alex, now 26, played in the lower grades in England before joining his younger brother at the Roosters ahead of the 2024 NRL season. Dom, 23, left Newcastle after the the 2023 campaign and a three-year stint at the Knights, but returned last month and is contracted for the next two seasons. Alex, who pursued a legal career whilst playing in England, was on a development deal at the Roosters. The Jamaican international only played a handful of NSW Cup games, mostly turning out for Glebe Dirty Reds in the Ron Massey Cup, which is essentially the third tier of rugby league in NSW. Dom has shared Cessnock's Instagram post with the news of his brother's signing. After some mixed form in the first half of the season, Cessnock are placed fifth heading into round 13. The 5-5 Coalfields club beat Wests 28-20 last round and travel to Toronto to face Macquarie, who are second last, on Saturday. It's not yet clear how many points Alex will be worth towards Cessnock's player points cap. Newcastle Rugby League is yet to update the database on its website.
The Advertiser
28-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Are the NEWRL finals teams already locked in? Can Central charge home? Will the upsets continue?
Are the Newcastle Rugby League finals teams already locked in, or will the likes of Lakes or Central charge into the top five? Can one of the surprise improvers in Macquarie and Kurri Kurri shake things up with a few more upsets? Will injuries cruel a side's chances on the run home? They're some of the questions as most teams in the men's first-grade competition enter the back half of their campaigns this weekend. As it stands, South Newcastle (14 points), Wyong (13), Maitland (13), Wests (12) and The Entrance (12) make up the top five, and overall, they have all looked better than the rest. Sixth-placed Cessnock (10) have been too inconsistent, Lakes (8) and Central (8) - who sit ninth and 10th - haven't quite lived up to expectations, while Macquarie (10) and Kurri Kurri (10) - in seventh and eighth - have done better than expected. Northern Hawks (2) remain without a win. Competition leaders Souths, and Cessnock, are the only teams to have played nine games in what is a 16-match regular season for every team. Every other side has played eight, apart from Central and Macquarie who have played seven. But only six points separate the sides placed first to 10th. "It's probably a good reflection that the points system is actually starting to kick in now a few years after its introduction," Central coach Adam Bettridge said on Friday. "It's levelled the comp out really well, and that's a credit to Newcastle Rugby League and everyone else. "It's the hardest and most consistent comp I've seen in a long time. It's good for the game and ... good footy weekly, which is the main thing." Last year's grand finalists, Central are second last after three wins and four losses. But their position isn't totally reflective of how they've started. "Not at all," Bettridge said. "We've played Wests twice, we've played Maitland twice ... we had a tough start to the year, but we've been in every game bar one. I'm very happy with where the squad is at." Only four points, or two wins, outside the top five, that gap could really widen if Central lose a few, or close quickly if they win a few, in their next block of games. Lakes, who are 3-5 this season but one spot ahead, are similarly placed. Central have five games before their next bye, four of which are home games. But their next three are in the space of eight days. After Sunday's clash with Macquarie (seventh), they host Wyong (second) on Wednesday night and then Lakes (ninth) next Sunday. An away game against Souths (first) is followed by another home match against Cessnock (sixth) on consecutive Sundays. It's a month that could determine their campaign. Central won six of their last nine to storm into third last season, and Bettridge remains confident they can be in contention for the finals this year. "With the way the ladder is at the moment, with a lot of teams beating each other, there's a very big opportunity if you string some games together, you can move up the ladder pretty quick," he said. "We've just got to keep focused on ourselves and keep winning. "If we can stay injury-free and get a fair crack at it, I think we can ... go on a bit of a run. But we can't look past this next week." Coming off a 22-14 win over defending premiers Maitland last week, Central have lost forward Ethan Campbell for their next two matches after he accepted a ban for a crusher tackle, but are otherwise full strength. Playmaker Steven Dengate (wrist) remains sidelined. Macquarie enter the 3.15pm match fresh from a bye. In other Sunday games, all at 3pm, Wests host Souths at Harker Oval, Lakes travel to Raymond Terrace to face Northern, and Wyong are at home to The Entrance in the second Central Coast derby for the year. On Saturday, Maitland host Kurri Kurri at 3pm. Are the Newcastle Rugby League finals teams already locked in, or will the likes of Lakes or Central charge into the top five? Can one of the surprise improvers in Macquarie and Kurri Kurri shake things up with a few more upsets? Will injuries cruel a side's chances on the run home? They're some of the questions as most teams in the men's first-grade competition enter the back half of their campaigns this weekend. As it stands, South Newcastle (14 points), Wyong (13), Maitland (13), Wests (12) and The Entrance (12) make up the top five, and overall, they have all looked better than the rest. Sixth-placed Cessnock (10) have been too inconsistent, Lakes (8) and Central (8) - who sit ninth and 10th - haven't quite lived up to expectations, while Macquarie (10) and Kurri Kurri (10) - in seventh and eighth - have done better than expected. Northern Hawks (2) remain without a win. Competition leaders Souths, and Cessnock, are the only teams to have played nine games in what is a 16-match regular season for every team. Every other side has played eight, apart from Central and Macquarie who have played seven. But only six points separate the sides placed first to 10th. "It's probably a good reflection that the points system is actually starting to kick in now a few years after its introduction," Central coach Adam Bettridge said on Friday. "It's levelled the comp out really well, and that's a credit to Newcastle Rugby League and everyone else. "It's the hardest and most consistent comp I've seen in a long time. It's good for the game and ... good footy weekly, which is the main thing." Last year's grand finalists, Central are second last after three wins and four losses. But their position isn't totally reflective of how they've started. "Not at all," Bettridge said. "We've played Wests twice, we've played Maitland twice ... we had a tough start to the year, but we've been in every game bar one. I'm very happy with where the squad is at." Only four points, or two wins, outside the top five, that gap could really widen if Central lose a few, or close quickly if they win a few, in their next block of games. Lakes, who are 3-5 this season but one spot ahead, are similarly placed. Central have five games before their next bye, four of which are home games. But their next three are in the space of eight days. After Sunday's clash with Macquarie (seventh), they host Wyong (second) on Wednesday night and then Lakes (ninth) next Sunday. An away game against Souths (first) is followed by another home match against Cessnock (sixth) on consecutive Sundays. It's a month that could determine their campaign. Central won six of their last nine to storm into third last season, and Bettridge remains confident they can be in contention for the finals this year. "With the way the ladder is at the moment, with a lot of teams beating each other, there's a very big opportunity if you string some games together, you can move up the ladder pretty quick," he said. "We've just got to keep focused on ourselves and keep winning. "If we can stay injury-free and get a fair crack at it, I think we can ... go on a bit of a run. But we can't look past this next week." Coming off a 22-14 win over defending premiers Maitland last week, Central have lost forward Ethan Campbell for their next two matches after he accepted a ban for a crusher tackle, but are otherwise full strength. Playmaker Steven Dengate (wrist) remains sidelined. Macquarie enter the 3.15pm match fresh from a bye. In other Sunday games, all at 3pm, Wests host Souths at Harker Oval, Lakes travel to Raymond Terrace to face Northern, and Wyong are at home to The Entrance in the second Central Coast derby for the year. On Saturday, Maitland host Kurri Kurri at 3pm. Are the Newcastle Rugby League finals teams already locked in, or will the likes of Lakes or Central charge into the top five? Can one of the surprise improvers in Macquarie and Kurri Kurri shake things up with a few more upsets? Will injuries cruel a side's chances on the run home? They're some of the questions as most teams in the men's first-grade competition enter the back half of their campaigns this weekend. As it stands, South Newcastle (14 points), Wyong (13), Maitland (13), Wests (12) and The Entrance (12) make up the top five, and overall, they have all looked better than the rest. Sixth-placed Cessnock (10) have been too inconsistent, Lakes (8) and Central (8) - who sit ninth and 10th - haven't quite lived up to expectations, while Macquarie (10) and Kurri Kurri (10) - in seventh and eighth - have done better than expected. Northern Hawks (2) remain without a win. Competition leaders Souths, and Cessnock, are the only teams to have played nine games in what is a 16-match regular season for every team. Every other side has played eight, apart from Central and Macquarie who have played seven. But only six points separate the sides placed first to 10th. "It's probably a good reflection that the points system is actually starting to kick in now a few years after its introduction," Central coach Adam Bettridge said on Friday. "It's levelled the comp out really well, and that's a credit to Newcastle Rugby League and everyone else. "It's the hardest and most consistent comp I've seen in a long time. It's good for the game and ... good footy weekly, which is the main thing." Last year's grand finalists, Central are second last after three wins and four losses. But their position isn't totally reflective of how they've started. "Not at all," Bettridge said. "We've played Wests twice, we've played Maitland twice ... we had a tough start to the year, but we've been in every game bar one. I'm very happy with where the squad is at." Only four points, or two wins, outside the top five, that gap could really widen if Central lose a few, or close quickly if they win a few, in their next block of games. Lakes, who are 3-5 this season but one spot ahead, are similarly placed. Central have five games before their next bye, four of which are home games. But their next three are in the space of eight days. After Sunday's clash with Macquarie (seventh), they host Wyong (second) on Wednesday night and then Lakes (ninth) next Sunday. An away game against Souths (first) is followed by another home match against Cessnock (sixth) on consecutive Sundays. It's a month that could determine their campaign. Central won six of their last nine to storm into third last season, and Bettridge remains confident they can be in contention for the finals this year. "With the way the ladder is at the moment, with a lot of teams beating each other, there's a very big opportunity if you string some games together, you can move up the ladder pretty quick," he said. "We've just got to keep focused on ourselves and keep winning. "If we can stay injury-free and get a fair crack at it, I think we can ... go on a bit of a run. But we can't look past this next week." Coming off a 22-14 win over defending premiers Maitland last week, Central have lost forward Ethan Campbell for their next two matches after he accepted a ban for a crusher tackle, but are otherwise full strength. Playmaker Steven Dengate (wrist) remains sidelined. Macquarie enter the 3.15pm match fresh from a bye. In other Sunday games, all at 3pm, Wests host Souths at Harker Oval, Lakes travel to Raymond Terrace to face Northern, and Wyong are at home to The Entrance in the second Central Coast derby for the year. On Saturday, Maitland host Kurri Kurri at 3pm.
