Inaugural captain-coach Brad Tighe believes now is the right time to elevate the Northern Hawks into the Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL) competition.
After dominating its rivals throughout the season, the Post Stephens outfit, which was only founded in 2021, captured the reserve grade crown at McDonald Jones Stadium at the weekend.
And, in a sign of the club’s professionalism, the side shut-out the Western Suburbs Rosellas 20-0 to lift the trophy.
That was largely due to the efforts of ex-NRL star Tighe and fellow senior player Tyler Randell.
The former made 171 appearances for the Newcastle Knights (44), Penrith Panthers (113) and Gold Coast Titans (14) in an illustrious career spanning 11 years.
Ironically, he also spent a number of seasons with last Sunday’s opponents, the Rosellas, in the Real NRL.
Scone product Randell added additional experience to the squad, too, after representing the Knights on 44 occasions from 2014 to 2017.
“I think the Hawks should be considered for the next level, 100%,” Tighe said.
“However, there are bigger powers, outside my way of thinking, who’ll make the decision.
“Hopefully, it happens.
“We’re playing our part here, winning reserve grade, which should assist our cause.
“The young kids have bought into what we’re trying to do.
“Because if they’re not at the club, it’s not possible.”
Tighe said the emphatic victory, led by second-rower Joshua Toole, was a great result for the Hawks.
“It’s been a long two years, but I’ve really enjoyed it,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“To top it off this way, I’m just really stoked for the young kids that we’re trying to develop at the moment.
“I’m extremely proud of the boys – they deserved this success.
“The two best teams finished where they should have.
“But, we train like a first grade side, we don’t train like reserve-graders.
“That was why I got someone like Tyler [Randell] to the Hawks.
“He’s a terrific bloke and boasts a ton of experience.
“That’s what you have to do if you want to develop a club – and its youngsters.
“You need to have those old heads around, teach them the ropes.
“And, you can see it paid off [on Sunday].”
Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL)
2022 play-offs
Grand final results
Sunday 11 September at McDonald Jones Stadium
- Under-19s – Western Suburbs Rosellas d Lakes United Seagulls 22-16
- Reserve grade – Northern Hawks d Western Suburbs Rosellas 20-0
- Denton Engineering Cup – Maitland Pickers d Macquarie Scorpions 40-4
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