IT is back to the drawing board for the injury-stricken Northern Hawks first grade team in the 2026 Newcastle Rugby League Denton Engineering Cup series.
Steve Simpson’s charges suffered their second loss of the season last Sunday after a 40-12 drubbing at the hands of South Newcastle at Townson Oval.
There was no stopping the rampant Lions who ran in seven tries to two in a masterclass display to post their third win of the season and remain undefeated after five competition rounds.
A super-slick Souths outfit had too many big guns for the depleted Hawks lineup, which was still missing several key players through injury.
Dashing Lions’ centre Ethan Fowles bagged a try double to cap a strong performance, with second rower Lachlan Fitzgibbon, centre Jack Dodd, half back Max Buderus, winger Jacob Afflick and hooker Max Altus also grabbing four pointers in a comprehensive win.
Souths’ crafty number seven Buderus was in the thick of the action and finished with a personal tally of 16 points from a try and six conversions.
Power running prop Zachary Jones and sharp centre Kane Thomas scored tries for the Hawks with fullback Shaqueil Saunders kicking two goals.
Despite the loss, the Northern team remains in fourth spot on six points behind premiership pacesetters Maitland Pickers (10 points), Central Butcher Boys (8 points) and South Newcastle (8 points).
The Hawks face an important round six assignment on Saturday 23 May when they host the Western Suburbs Rosellas at Tomaree Sports Ground from 3pm.
By Chris KARAS
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