Unbeaten Maitland Pickers skittle Northern Hawks

MAITLAND Pickers first grade rugby league team are proving a force to be reckoned with again in the Newcastle Rugby League Denton Engineering Cup premiership.

The four time champions showed why they are the side to beat for the 2026 title after a resounding 48-12 triumph over the resurgent Northern Hawks last Sunday at the Maitland No 1 Sportsground.

It was a third successive victory for the much vaunted Pickers who remain undefeated and on top of the table after three rounds.

Classy half back Brock Lamb proved the architect for the Pickers with a masterclass display in the number seven jumper, utilising his ball skills and booting eight goals from as many attempts.

The maestro playmaker created havoc on the left edge – combining with dynamic fullback Luke Knight to spark a first half points flurry in the eight try rout.

Northern were their own worst enemies in an error-riddled performance and suffered a savage early blow with injuries to key forwards Connor Cromarty (knee) and Ben Roose (groin).

The elusive Knight bagged a hat-trick of tries for Maitland with wingers Ethan Parry and Will Nieuwenhuise each notching  doubles in a dominant victory.

Hawks coach Steve Simpson was bitterly disappointed with his charges’ first half effort after trailing 36-6 at the interval but was heartened by the team’s strong second half showing.

The scores were locked 6-6 early in the match before the Pickers turned on the style that has netted the club four consecutive premierships since 2022.

In a tough baptism, Northern blooded premiership-winning Karuah Roos five eighth Shaq Saunders for the big clash.

Inspirational lock and skipper Luke Higgins and rugged prop Ofahiki Ogden never stopped trying for the Hawks along with smart half back Noah Ryan and custodian Fletcher Myers.

The Northern team gets a shot at redemption this Saturday when they square off with Cessnock Goannas at the Baddeley Park Cessnock Sports Ground at 3pm.

By Chris KARAS