NORTHERN Hawks first grade rugby league team are licking their wounds after a disappointing 34-0 loss to Kurri Kurri in Newcastle Denton Engineering Cup action last weekend at Kurri Kurri Sports Ground.
The revved up Bulldogs produced a slick performance to run in six tries and chalk up their third win of the season in the 2026 Cup series.
Hawks’ coach Steve Simpson was left scratching his head after a listless display from the Northern side, who were kept scoreless by a determined Bulldogs outfit that never stopped probing.
The win lifts Kurri Kurri into fifth spot on the premiership ladder on eight points with three wins and two draws after nine rounds.
Northern slip back to sixth spot on eight points after tasting defeat for the fifth time this season.
Strapping Bulldogs prop forward Zac Montgomery, interchange Tamakaimoana Whareaorere, second rower Reid Alchin, five eighth Josh Moffitt, dashing fullback Hemi Knebel and back rower Matt Woolnough all crossed for tries with half back Jordi Madden booting four conversions and a penalty goal.
The Hawks forward pack led by lock Kane Graham, second rowers Ben Roose and Ethan Campbell, props Ofahiki Ogden and Zac Jones and Australian Universities hooker Jayden Seckold toiled hard but couldn’t match the intensity shown by the determined Bulldogs.
Northern halves Liam Walsh and Noah Ryan tried valiantly to spark the visitors with Kurri keeping close tabs on strike backs Shaq Saunders, utility Timanu Alexander, centres Kiah Cooper and Fletcher Myers and speedy winger Honeti Tuha.
Coach Simpson will be looking for an improved showing this Saturday when the Hawks tackle cellar dwellers Macquarie Scorpions at Lakeside Sporting Complex in Raymond Terrace from 3pm.
By Chris KARAS
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