For Macquarie Scorpions talented forward Luke Higgins, 2022 was almost the perfect season… almost.
He secured the club’s Player of the Year award and backed up that effort to secure the Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL) Lock of the Year as well.
The only blemish, a 40-4 grand final loss to the all-conquering Maitland Pickers at McDonald Jones Stadium in his brother Liam’s swansong.
“I think all-in-all, it was a successful one,” he said.
“We didn’t get the result in the decider, in September, but if you look back at the season, we overcame a lot of adversity.
“The Scorps lost seven of our original 13 along the way.
“So, to get to where we did, I believe it was an unreal effort.
“We should definitely be proud.
“And, it’s a good lead-in to 2023.”
Macquarie headed into the finale buoyed by some impressive wins in the finals series.
However, Maitland proved unstoppable on the day and, again, in the 2022 President’s Cup when it trounced Hills Bulls at CommBank Stadium a few weeks later.
“It was a surprising mood in the room afterwards,” Higgins said.
“You’d think losing a grand final, you’d go in and it would be all doom and gloom.
“But, when we arrived in the sheds, it was the complete opposite.
“Everyone was proud of where we got to.
“One of the boys actually made a joke, saying ‘oh, well, we were just flogged by 40’.
“That broke the ice and kind of changed the vibe a bit.
“We then celebrated what we did achieve.
“In the end, we were happy to go out there [on the field] and go as far as we did.”
The 26-year-old is confident the Scorpions can build on that in the Real NRL in 2023.
“The good thing is we’ve managed to keep the bulk of our squad, especially our spine, even with Liam retiring,” Higgins told the Newcastle Weekly.
“We’ve signed a good hooker to step into his shoes.
“And, now, we know what we’re up against after a complete full season that wasn’t impacted by the pandemic.
“The competition will be just as strong next year.
“A lot of clubs are making big moves in the player market and the Northern Hawks are joining the ranks, too.
“Cessnock has recruited very well, while Maitland will be up there again.
“We’ve got to play the same [kind of] footy next season and, hopefully, stay injury-free.”
One point of difference, however, is a new leader at Macquarie.
Matt Roach takes over the coaching reins from much-loved Steve Kidd, who’s spending some time away from the game.
“It’s great Roachy has been involved with the Scorpions previously,” Higgins said.
“It’ll make the transition from Kiddy a lot easier.
“Matt’s learnt plenty the past few seasons and nursed through a few juniors as well, which is a plus.
“We saw that when Dean Morris made his first grade debut this year.
“Roachy gets along with the boys, has a good relationship with everyone and he knows what he’s doing.
“So, we’re in terrific hands; I’m keen to see where he takes us.”
As for 2023, Higgins is setting himself a couple of objectives, individually and team-wise.
“Winning a competition is always the priority,” he said.
“It’s the golden ticket.
“We’ve got the guys to do it – it’s a young squad, with a few handy signings.
“Everyone’s keen to rip in and, I’m sure, we’ll give it a good shake.
“Personally, with the Newcastle Rebels returning to the Country Championships, it opens the door for opportunity.
“That’s one team I haven’t made before.
“It would be good to gain selection for the Rebels.
“They got rid of that concept when I was starting out in the rep system.
“So, that’d be a big goal of mine to make that side.
“It would certainly be a good experience.”
For more sports stories:
- REAL NRL: Briggs backs Butcher Boys to bounce back
- Olivia Higgins’ season of success
- Round of upsets ensure close finish in Coalfields Cup
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