League great Peter Sterling is Northern Hawks club ambassador

THREE of rugby league’s modern day achievers have banded together to influence the fledgling Northern Hawks Rugby League Club in 2026.

Parramatta great Peter Sterling – who now lives in Port Stephens – will take on a club ambassador role with the Hawks.

The former Kangaroos playmaker will be joined by premiership-winning Newcastle Knights forward Steve Simpson, who was appointed Head Coach for this year’s campaign in the Newcastle Rugby League competition, and former Gold Coast Titans Head Coach Garth Brennan, who serves as the Hawks’ Head of Pathways.

All three are highly respected rugby league figures and valuable acquisitions.

Their involvement is a key part of the club’s growth.

Sterling adds strength to the club’s leadership group while his support provides both inspiration for players and credibility for the club, as it continues to grow across Newcastle and the Hunter.

The Northern Hawks are preparing for an exciting 2026 season with strong momentum across both the men’s and women’s programs and a growing presence in the Port Stephens sporting community.

Competing in the Newcastle Rugby League competitions, the Hawks have steadily built a reputation as one of the region’s most ambitious and community-focused clubs.

With teams across senior men’s, women’s and youth pathways, the club continues to provide opportunities for local players to develop their skills while representing Port Stephens at a high level.

The 2026 season will see the Hawks field teams in the Denton Engineering Cup, the Women’s Premiership competitions, and the Under 19s men’s pathway program.

The club is also working closely with junior partners, such as the Raymond Terrace Roosters, to strengthen development pathways for young players coming through the local system.

Simpson, a former NSW Origin and Australian back rower, brings a wealth of elite playing and coaching experience to the Hawks program.

The Knights legend made 216 top grade appearances and figured in the club’s 2001 NRL Grand Final triumph over Parramatta before playing 13 Origin matches for NSW and eight Tests for the Kangaroos.

He cut his coaching teeth with the Hawk’s Under 19s squad before his appointment as Head Coach.

Supporting the development pathway is the home spun Brennan, who is working closely with players and junior partners to ensure local athletes have a clear and professional pathway to senior representative opportunities.

Northern Hawks club president Andrew Chapman told News Of The Area that the focus this year is not just on performance, but on building a sustainable program that connects players, families and the wider community.

“The Northern Hawks are about more than just rugby league,” he said.

“We’re building something that gives local players a genuine pathway to higher levels of the game while also creating a strong community club that people in Port Stephens can be proud of.”

Chapman said the club was proud of the strength of its football leadership group.

“Having people like Steve Simpson, Garth Brennan and Peter Sterling involved brings enormous experience and credibility to the club.

“More importantly, they’re passionate about developing local players.”

The women’s program continues to grow rapidly, reflecting the surge in participation across rugby league nationally.

Several Hawks players have already represented the region.

Off the field, the Hawks are continuing to expand their partnerships with local businesses and organisations who support the club’s vision of creating opportunities for young athletes in the region.

With the season now underway, Chapman said the club is encouraging local residents who are passionate about community sport to get involved.

“Like many community clubs, we rely heavily on volunteers.

“Whether it’s helping on game day, supporting team logistics, assisting with events or contributing behind the scenes, volunteers are a huge part of what makes the Hawks possible.”

Anyone interested in volunteering, supporting the club or learning more about the Northern Hawks is encouraged to reach out through the club’s social media channels or website.

“The Hawks are a community club and we welcome anyone who wants to be part of the journey.”

Northern Hawks played their first trial against Singleton last Saturday.

They will host the Way Way Roosters in a second trial this Saturday 21 March at Lakeside Sports Complex from 4.30pm, before their season launch at the Junction Inn Hotel.

A third trial is scheduled against Lakes United on 28 March at Cahill Oval before both clubs meet in the opening Magic round on 11 April at Maitland Regional Sportsground.

By Chris KARAS