Representative star Luke Huth is confident the Cessnock Goannas are in a strong position to challenge for the Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL) crown in 2023.

Although the side dropped back to fourth on the ladder following its nail-biting 24-16 defeat to the Maitland Pickers at the weekend, there was much to like about the team’s performance.

Even rival coach Matt Lantry admitted the more notable outfit lost on the day, a rare confession in sporting circles.

“I believe Cessnock will feel hard done by that result,” he said afterwards.

It’s a sentiment shared by Newcastle Rebels and Country rep Huth, too.

“Obviously, it was a good grind for the whole 80 [minutes],” he stated.

“I thought we were right into it.

“However, it was a bit disappointing to lose that one because we held our own against the defending premiers.

“We even hit the front for a while.

“I felt we were the better side for most of that game.

“But, in those little moments, you need to be the best team – we just lacked it in the final 10.

“And, unfortunately, they ran away with it.”

The Goannas actually upset the Pickers 20-12 in April and almost did it again without eight regular first-graders, including captain-coach Harry Siejka, fullback Harry O’Brien, Reed Hugo and Jayden Young to name a handful.

“It’s the next man up mentality [here],” Huth said.

“It is a long season… the blokes who usually play round one aren’t often around at the end of it, when injuries, suspensions and work commitments occur.

“For those boys to step up and do their job, we’re bloody proud of them.

“However, at the same time, it’s expected.

“They wouldn’t be there if we didn’t think they weren’t capable.”

Cessnock, just one point behind the South Newcastle Lions and Wyong Roos on the Denton Engineering Cup table, next faces the Northern Hawks, fresh from a bye, at home on Saturday 1 July.

“Even though they are the new guys to the competition, we can’t take them – or any side – lightly,” Huth said.

“We need to hop back on the horse and ice a win, build that confidence leading into the final rounds.

“Securing a top three spot will be vital in 2023.”

As for his own NRL aspirations, Huth remains non-committal.

He’s been touted as the best hooker running around in country rugby league without a higher-level contract.

“I’m not thinking too far ahead about it, to be honest,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“At this stage, I’ll finish the year and see what happens.

“I have a bub on the way now, and I just bought a house, so my priorities have changed a little bit there.

“Plus, I’m enjoying it heaps here with the Goannas.

“I’ve signed for another season, so we’ll keep ticking away.

“Hopefully, we’ll play semis… and take it one game at a time.”

Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League

Denton Engineering Cup

Round 13 results:

• South Newcastle Lions d Kurri Kurri Bulldogs 64-6
• Maitland Pickers d Cessnock Goannas 24-16
• Wyong Roos d Macquarie Scorpions 33-14
• Western Suburbs Rosellas d Lakes United Seagulls 42-4
• Central Newcastle Butcher Boys d The Entrance Tigers 24-18
• Bye: Northern Hawks

Round 14 draw:

Saturday 1 July

• 2pm: Macquarie Scorpions v Western Suburbs Rosellas (Lyall Peacock Field)
• 3pm: Cessnock Goannas v Northern Hawks (Cessnock Sports Ground)
• 3pm: Lakes United Seagulls v Maitland Pickers (Cahill Oval)
• 3pm: Kurri Kurri Bulldogs v Wyong Roos (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)

Sunday 2 July

• 3pm: Central Newcastle Butcher Boys v South Newcastle Lions (St John Oval)
• Bye: The Entrance Tigers

For more sports stories:

• REAL NRL: Pickers’ ‘milestone man’ Butterfield sinks fearless Goannas
• Government renews funding for iconic Port Stephens regatta
• Hunter Netball: Metro girls produce outstanding effort

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