NORTHERN Hawks’ first-grade rugby league team has been rocked by a serious hand injury to tireless lock forward and inspirational skipper Luke Higgins.
The industrious Higgins was forced from the field with a dislocated finger and suspected fracture during the Hawks’ 17-12 loss to Central Charlestown Butcher Boys in the Newcastle Rugby League Denton Engineering Cup series at St John Oval last weekend.
Northern fell agonisingly short in the Indigenous Round clash that swung on a handful of costly moments in the opening minutes.
Central struck twice in the first half, and on both occasions the Hawks were architects of their own undoing.
The first try by halfback Fletch Kennedy came after a charge-down on a clearing kick from halfback Noah Ryan, handing the Butcher Boys a free run at the line.
Central’s second followed a mix-up between Hawks fullback Fletcher Myers and five-eighth Liam Walsh in the dummy-half exchange, allowing the home side to pounce and cross again.
To their credit the Hawks fought their way back into contention.
Myers atoned for his earlier error with a try of his own and centre Cody Hancock also crossed with winger Beau-Josh Lyons converting both to keep the margin within reach.
But Central had the final say. A third try late in the second half restored their buffer and five-eighth Chad O’Donnell slotted a field goal right on full time to put the result beyond doubt.
The Hawks will look to tighten their execution under pressure as they continue their push in just their fourth season of Denton Cup competition.
Northern slip to sixth on the ladder with 10 points from 11 rounds, level with fifth-placed Kurri Kurri but separated on for-and-against differential.
With five rounds remaining and the top five teams progressing to finals, every fixture shapes as a must-win in the race for September.
The Hawks face a tough assignment this Saturday when they host premiership favourites Maitland Pickers at Lakeside Sporting Complex at 3pm.
By Chris KARAS
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