REJUVENATED Northern Hawks have chalked up another milestone in the 2026 Newcastle Rugby League Denton Engineering Cup premiership.
In a major achievement for the fledgling club, the high flying Hawks recorded their first-ever victory over the Cessnock Goannas in the top grade last weekend to continue the team’s bright start to the season.
The injury-riddled Hawks downed the Goannas 22-16 at the Cessnock Sports Ground with rookie fullback Shaquiel Saunders turning in a best on ground performance.
In only his second top grade appearance, the talented custodian produced a sharp attacking display to steer the Hawks to a third triumph from four Denton Cup fixtures.
He capped an outstanding game by nabbing a spectacular solo try and booting three goals from four attempts to keep the Hawks entrenched in the top four.
Just as impressive was centre Kane Thomas in his first run-on game; industrious second rower Roy Simpson, who produced a non-stop display in only his second top grade appearance and replacement hooker Jayden Seckold, who inspired the Northern team with his guile around the rucks and trojan-like effort in defence.
Missing from the Hawks line up was tough prop Connor Cromarty (knee), smart hooker Jack Langdon, second rower Ben Roose (groin) and gun centre and co-captain Timanu Alexander (shoulder).
Coach Steve Simpson praised his charges for posting yet another early season win – built on the back of a super defensive effort against quality opposition.
Northern Hawks president Andrew Chapman told News Of The Area that the club’s “spirited efforts” against Cessnock in the earlier Under 19s and reserve grade fixtures had set the platform for another rollicking first grade victory.
“The boys showed plenty of determination and grit to secure two valuable competition points and keep our Denton Cup dream alive,” Chapman said post match.
Northern’s playing stocks were depleted with several Hawks’ juniors representing the Newcastle Knights in the NSWRL Harold Matthews Cup and S.G Ball Cup Grand Finals against the Sydney Roosters at Leichhardt Oval.
The Hawks Under 19s showed their depth of talent in slamming Cessnock 44-6 while Sean Langdon’s under-strength reserve graders had four tries disallowed and displayed plenty of steel in a 32-12 loss.
Other Northern try scorers in the first grade triumph were back rower Simpson, tough tackling lock and co-skipper Luke Higgins and centre Kiah Cooper.
The Hawks face a tough assignment this Sunday 10 May when they tackle the undefeated Souths Newcastle Lions at Merewether’s Townson Oval from 3pm.
By Chris KARAS
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