NORTHERN Hawks’ remodelled first grade men’s team have opened their 2026 Newcastle Rugby League Denton Engineering Cup campaign on a winning note.
Steve Simpson’s revamped line-up is primed for a successful season if the club’s wholehearted 18-16 victory over Lakes United last Saturday at Maitland Sports Ground is any guide.
The rejuvenated Hawks showed bucketloads of spirit, tenacity and courage, to sink the experienced Seagulls in a gripping Magic Round contest.
A highlight of the victory was the team’s desire to compete for the entire 80 minutes, which impressed club mentor Simpson – a Newcastle Knights’ forward legend and Hall of Fame inductee.
The former international took over the Hawks’ top grade coaching reins this season and instilled his own rugby league values of “working hard as a team with a never-say-die attitude.”
Leading the way in the opening round triumph were powerhouse prop Ofahiki Ogden, half back Noah Ryan, elusive fullback Fletcher Myers and industrious co-captains Timanu Alexander and Luke Higgins.
Ogden, who has NRL experience with both the Canterbury and Parramatta clubs, provided plenty of go-forward in an absorbing tussle.
The Seagulls jumped to a 6-0 lead following a converted try by centre Dylan Dukes after 22 minutes.
Northern hit back seven minutes later when back rower Ben Roose offloaded to Ogden who crashed over for the Hawks’ opening try, with Myers adding the extras.
Lakes United established a 10-6 lead at the interval after winger Mason Forbes crossed for his team’s second try and moved further ahead when centre Trent Petersen potted a penalty goal.
A determined try by five-eighth Liam Walsh off a Kiah Cooper bust levelled the scores at 12-all before Seagulls hooker Nash Birch swooped to nab a four pointer and regain the lead.
Hawks winger Max Fines proved the local hero – scampering over for the match winning try with five minutes left on the clock.
Northern Hawks’ Head of Football Garth Brennan praised his players post-match on a superb team effort.
“The club is investing in home-grown Port Stephens talent and already reaping the dividends,” the former Gold Coast NRL mentor told News Of The Area.
“There is definitely a local flavour among our first grade squad which is a huge boost for the community.
“Eleven of our top 17 are Port Stephens junior products while another three have lived in the region for a long time with the others having NRL or either NSW Cup and Queensland Cup experience.”
Northern Hawks host the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs this Saturday in Denton Cup action at Tomaree Sports Complex with kick off at 7pm.
Early birds can watch the Under 19s fixture at 4.15pm followed by the reserve grade clash from 5.30pm.
By Chris KARAS
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