It’s always a major milestone when a young guy tackles his 100th first grade appearance.
But, what makes the occasion even more special is when a junior achieves that feat in the senior ranks at the same club.
That’s what Macquarie Scorpions’ Isaac Briggs will realise when he runs onto the field at Lyall Peacock Oval on Saturday 17 July, against Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL) rivals Lakes United Seagulls.
In 2011, at the age of 18, he made his debut – and has been a mainstay of the organisation ever since.
“Isaac bleeds green and gold,” assistant coach Matt Roach said.
“He’s a Scorpions junior, who’s come through the grades.
“His brothers Scott and Randall have played for Macquarie in the past, his nephew Callan is here [now], so to see him be a one-club man is terrific.
“We rely heavily on, and promote, our juniors – to witness Isaac doing that [his 100th] this weekend makes us pretty proud of his achievement.
“He gives the side a physical presence.
“But, he’s also a strong role model among the many indigenous players at the Scorpions.
“His latest accomplishment is certainly well-deserved.”
Briggs has enjoyed plenty of success during his time at the Scorpions, too.
He contested the 2015 and 2016 grand finals, losing to the Seagulls and the South Newcastle Lions respectively, before lifting the trophy in 2017 at the expense of the Western Suburbs Rosellas.
The talented Macquarie prodigy claimed with NSW State Cup with his team-mates that same year as well.
“It would be great to get a win for Isaac on Saturday, especially in the battle of Lake Macquarie,” Roach said.
“Even though we’re fourth on the ladder, and Lakes are ninth, we won’t be complacent.
“We were lucky to get away with the victory in our first meeting this season.
“It doesn’t matter where the sides sit on the table, it’s always a very tough encounter.
“Plus, the Seagulls have definitely improved over the year.
“It’s important for us [to win], given the placings on the ladder.
“There are a few teams just behind us.
“COVID-19 is causing a few problems, too, but our eyes are solely focused on this weekend and picking up the two points.”
Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League
Round 14 results:
Western Suburbs Rosellas 12 (Liam Wiscombe, Ryan Walker tries; Logan Radzievic 2 goals) defeated Central Newcastle Butcher Boys 8 (Kyle Avery try; Randall Briggs, Luke Walsh goals)
Macquarie Scorpions 16 (Ro Buaserau, Andrew Sumner, Fletcher Myers tries; Kerrod Holland 2 goals) defeated Kurri Kurri Bulldogs 4 (Kade Hardy try)
Maitland Pickers v Lakes United Seagulls – COVID draw
South Newcastle Lions v The Entrance Tigers – COVID draw
Wyong Roos v Cessnock Goannas – COVID draw
Round 15 draw:
Saturday 17 July –
3pm: Cessnock Goannas v Central Newcastle Butcher Boys (Cessnock Sportsground)
3pm: Macquarie Scorpions v Lakes United Seagulls (Lyall Peacock Oval)
3pm: South Newcastle Lions v Western Suburbs Rosellas (Townson Oval)
Wyong Roos v Kurri Kurri Bulldogs – COVID draw
The Entrance Tigers v Maitland Pickers – COVID
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