The weatherman may have the biggest impact in what could be a very disrupted weekend of Denton Engineering Cup in round seven.

With matches scheduled for grounds that don’t take the rain well, namely Harker Oval and Cahill Oval, and with up to 50mm forecast for the region between now and Saturday, some big question marks loom over whether fixtures will be deferred or moved to alternate venues.

It’s particularly interesting for both Lakes United and Western Suburbs who are coming off wins and close to full strength.

SATURDAY 30 MAY

3PM – CESSNOCK (9th) v THE ENTRANCE (5th), CESSNOCK SPORTSGROUND

The Tigers, after a solid victory over Central Newcastle last week, travel to take on sleeping giants Cessnock.

The home side was competitive in its loss to Kurri; however, the Coalfields clash is hardly a measuring stick given the upsets seen in the past regardless of form line.

The Goannas’ strength is in their middle, which may have a slight edge with the likes of Apthorpe, Hugo and Knight leading the way.

The Entrance has its backline firing on all cylinders and the two-man impact of Deakin and Peck both offer a different look at the ruck.

Tony Pellow at the back for the Tigers also makes the equation more difficult for the hosts.

Cessnock can’t afford to drop this one after a slow start to the season.

And, the Tigers need a win to stay in the five.

This will go down to the wire.

3PM – LAKES UNITED (4th) v MAITLAND (1st), CAHILL OVAL

Lakes are brimming with confidence going into this one against last season’s premiers.

For Maitland, who is currently the walking wounded of the competition, it will be a test of depth and resilience with many players battling injury.

A loss for Lakes could see them fall as low as seventh, results dependent, but a win could see them go as high as third on a congested ladder.

Maitland is missing as many as seven regular first graders, so the Seagulls will go into this one as favourites.

The key for the Pickers will be ball control and not allowing Lakes to get a roll on in what would be expected to be a big home crowd on a heavy track.

The Seagulls are in need of a real statement victory after going close against South. This is their opportunity.

3PM – KURRI KURRI (8th) v SOUTH NEWCASTLE (2nd), THE GRAVEYARD

The Bulldogs continued their hoodoo over Cessnock last week in grand fashion, while South Newcastle served up the most clinical performance of the season against Maitland.

The Graveyard is a hard place to win in usual circumstances.

But, throw in a wet track and a Kurri side that loves to drag you down and bash you up in the wet, and this becomes a genuine danger game for the Lions.

More than ever, South Newcastle looks equipped to handle this challenge.

Max Buderus is starting to fit in nicely with his partnership alongside Ryan Glanville, they have a great pack of forwards and big depth on the bench.

Hard to see anything but a Lions win here.

SUNDAY 31 MAY

2.45PM – NORTHERN HAWKS (6th) v CENTRAL NEWCASTLE (3rd), TOMAREE

The Hawks couldn’t quite get the job done against the Rosellas but finished the game better than how they started it.

Central faced the always difficult road trip to EDSAAC and came up short in what was an arm wrestle.

The focus for Northern this season has been building pressure, remaining patient and not chancing their arm, but other than Souths and Maitland, nobody has been more effective at this than the Butcher Boys, particularly with their three-in-the-tackle methodology.

Expect this one to be a grind with Central going in as favourites in what will be a tight contest, particularly in the forwards.

3PM – WESTERN SUBURBS (7th) v MACQUARIE (10th), HARKER OVAL

Western Suburbs broke the shackles last week and, while it wasn’t a complete performance, they did enough to move the needle forward in what looms as an important three-game stretch against Macquarie, Maitland and Cessnock to get their season back on track.

Macquarie, on the other hand, have improved over the past few weeks, but some would argue not to the level that will challenge the Rosellas.

Expectations point to a Western Suburbs win, with their back five to get momentum out of yardage to propel them closer to a semi-final berth.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

KNEED TO KNOW

Best wishes to Justin Afflick who, at the time of writing, is undergoing knee surgery. Afflick would have been named in the Country side had he not succumbed to the injury and may have been the difference in a game that went into extra time given his outstanding form. He’ll no doubt rip into his rehab with the same enthusiasm he rips into opposition packs and will be ready to go for the 2027 season.

PIPER EXIT

Former Cessnock forward Lachlan Piper has been told by the Goannas his services are no longer required for the remainder of the 2026 season and beyond. He would be a handy addition for any club looking for an impact player to strengthen their middle third as he provides plenty of go-forward. Word is his fitness has improved of late as well.

AGE SHALL NOT WEARY THEM

Dave Dryden is set for his 400th — no, that is not a misprint — his 400th senior NEWRL match this coming weekend. One of the great personalities of the game and a handy footballer to boot. Very difficult to get a read on who has the record for most matches, but it probably won’t be matched in the modern era. Congratulations David.

For more sports stories:

• Tony Pellow… Indigenous roots, fatherhood and why the Tigers are more than one man
• Knights boost… Ponga avoids ban after Origin dismissal
• Sleapy’s bowled over by state, national cricket honours

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