TEAK tough rugby league prop Matthew Koellner is reaping the benefits of a successful stint in the Queensland Cup competition.
After tasting premiership success with the Burleigh Bears last season and gaining valuable experience in the Brisbane Broncos system, the inspirational forward returned to the Central Newcastle club in 2026 as a proven competitor and leader.
The Butcher Boys’ skipper broke the hearts of the Northern Hawks last Sunday in Newcastle Rugby League Denton Engineering Cup action at Tomaree Sports Ground with a match-winning try in the dying moments to secure a 24-22 victory.
With the gallant Hawks clinging to a 22-20 lead against the third-ranked Central team, it was the hard-running Koellner who emerged with two minutes left on the clock to crash through defenders and score a determined try and secure his club’s fifth win of the season.
It capped another strong performance by the Central leader and left Steve Simpson’s Hawks in a world of despair.
Celebrating the club’s Old Boys Day, the Northern team started the match strongly with two fine tries by winger Max Fines and the elusive Honeti Tuha for a first-half advantage.
Central hit back through to centre Caleb Faulkner, hooker Harry Reid and fullback Cameron Anderson before Northern forward Connor Cromarty burst through the Butcher Boys defence to give his side the lead.
With seconds left on the clock, a revved-up Koellner showed his professional edge by skittling Hawks defenders on a 20-metre charge at the line to post a last-gasp try that secured two valuable competition points.
Northern coach Simpson will be looking for another wholehearted effort from his players this Sunday when they tackle The Entrance Tigers at 3pm.
By Chris KARAS
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