It’s bound to be an exciting year for the Maitland Pickers on and off the paddock, according to president Frank Lawler.

Not only is the Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL) powerhouse expected to dominate the Denton Engineering Cup again in 2022, but the organisation will also try its luck in another sporting arena.

For the first time in the club’s history, the Pickers are fielding a netball side.

“I know it will surprise a lot of people, however it’s good to branch out,” Lawler said.

“The Pickers boast a strong brand these days.

“So, it’ll be nice to see the girls taking to the courts under our banner.

“While rugby league, and winning premierships, is our main objective, we’re not afraid to attempt something different.

“And, this could be the start of a new [sporting] era for the Pickers.

“But, we couldn’t do a lot of this without the support of our sponsors.

“The local businesses have been fantastic – sponsorship’s gone through the roof.

“In fact, I’m blown away by their generosity, especially with everything they’ve faced over the past couple of years.

“However, we try to involve all our supporters in a lot of our activities, including tonight.

“It’s important to give back to them by being a community club.”

Almost 200 people attended the Pickers’ season launch at Club Maitland City on Thursday night, with former junior, and NRL, NSW and Australian Test star, Greg Bird a popular special guest.

While playing for Rutherford High School in 2001, the tough forward gained selection in the Australian Schoolboys team.

He went on to make 106 first grade appearances for the Cronulla Sharks and a further 129 for the Gold Coast Titans.

“It’s nice to see him back in town,” Lawler said.

“Greg played his junior football for the West Maitland Red Dogs and Maitland before being signed by the Newcastle Knights.

“So, we’re delighted to have him here [tonight].”

Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League

Maitland Pickers 2022 draw

• Round one (Sunday 27 March): v Central Newcastle Butcher Boys (St John Oval)
• Round two (Saturday 2 April): v Western Suburbs Rosellas (Maitland No 1 Sportsground)
• Round three (Saturday 9 April): v The Entrance Tigers (Maitland No 1 Sportsground)
• Round four (Saturday 16 April): v Lakes United Seagulls (Cahill Oval)
• Round five (Saturday 23 April): v Wyong Roos (Morry Breen Oval)
• Round six (Saturday 30 April): v Cessnock Goannas (Maitland No 1 Sportsground)
• Round seven (Saturday 7 May): v Kurri Kurri Bulldogs (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)
• Round eight (Saturday 21 May): v South Newcastle Lions (Maitland No 1 Sportsground)
• Round nine (Saturday 28 May): v Macquarie Scorpions (Lyall Peacock Field)
• Round 10 (Saturday 4 June): v Central Newcastle Butcher Boys (Maitland No 1 Sportsground)
• Round 11 (Saturday 11 June): v Western Suburbs Rosellas (Harker Oval)
• Round 12 (Sunday 19 June): v The Entrance Tigers (EDSACC Oval North)
• Round 13 (Sunday 26 June): v Lakes United Seagulls (Maitland No 1 Sportsground)
• Round 14 (Saturday 2 July): v Wyong Roos (Maitland No 1 Sportsground)
• Round 15 (Saturday 9 July): v Cessnock Goannas (Cessnock Sports Ground)
• Round 16 (Saturday 16 July): v Kurri Kurri Bulldogs (Maitland No 1 Sportsground)
• Round 17 (Saturday 30 July): v South Newcastle Lions (Townson Oval)
• Round 18 (Saturday 6 August): v Macquarie Scorpions (Maitland No 1 Sportsground)

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