NORTHERN Hawks’ first-grade rugby league team continues to walk a Newcastle Rugby League Denton Engineering Cup finals tightrope.
Steve Simpson’s young charges are bracing themselves for a challenging three week assignment in a bid to qualify for the 2026 finals series.
The Entrance Tigers dented the Hawks’ top five hopes after posting an 18-14 victory at Lakeside Sporting Complex in Raymond Terrace last Sunday.
With three rounds to be completed in the regular season, the embattled Northern outfit must beat cellar-dwellers Macquarie Scorpions this Sunday at Lyall Peacock Field and chalk up victories over second-ranked South Newcastle Lions on Saturday August 1 at Lakeside Sporting Complex and Lakes United Seagulls on August 8 at Cahill Oval to have any chance of appearing in the big end-of-season matches.
The Hawks have dropped to eighth spot following last weekend’s loss and are desperate to return to the winners’ circle after disappointing displays in recent weeks.
Strong running Tigers’ second-rower Kye Hopwood nabbed a try double after star fullback Tony Pellow opened the scoring with a neat four-pointer that was converted by centre Corey Fenning.
Northern were guilty of critical errors but remained in the contest with tries by tireless lock and skipper Luke Higgins, powerful winger Timanu Alexander and hooker Takarei Kuru.
The Hawks were best-served by the dynamic Alexander, Kuru, Higgins, back-rower Ethan Campbell and rugged prop Ofahiki Ogden.
Both teams finished with three tries apiece with the trusty boot of Fenning proving the difference.
The Tigers centre landed all three conversions while Hawks’ fullback Shaq Saunders could only manage a single conversion from his three attempts.
By Chris KARAS
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