He’s won numerous junior premierships with Lakes United Seagulls but Jack Kelly is determined to hold aloft a senior Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL) trophy, too.

And, even though it may not occur this season, the talented playmaker remains confident his side has what it takes to vie for the title sooner rather than later.

Following a first round washout, and a 44-16 loss to the Cessnock Goannas, the Seagulls cracked it for an 18-16 victory at the weekend over the Wyong Roos.

The courageous triumph also provided a confidence boost for the boys moving forward.

“It was a good comeback from the week before,” said Kelly, who scored a try and landed three goals for a personal haul of 10 points.

“We had a tough one out at Cessnock – and it didn’t get any easier going down to Wyong.

“They’re a strong team, coached by Mitch Williams, who’s a crafty player himself.

“It was a heavy track, too; all the boys were out on their feet.

“But, it was a very gutsy win.

“It’s great to see the guys show up for each other like that.

“The other pleasing aspect is we improved a lot from the previous round.

“And, that’s a good sign.

“You want to be improving if you’re losing games.

“I think we completed at 90% [against the Roos].

“If you’re doing that, you’ll win most matches.”

Kelly, who was graded by Lakes United in 2014, came through the club’s junior development program by way of affiliates Windale and Valentine Eleebana.

He joined the Newcastle Knights in the Holden Cup and then NSW Cup before returning to the Seagulls the following season.

However, he departed the organisation in 2019, spending a couple of years with neighbouring Central Newcastle Butcher Boys.

Now, he’s keen to lead a Lakes United revival under Ian “Bubba” Bourke.

“A massive reason [to re-join the Seagulls] was Bubba coming back to coach here,” Kelly told the Newcastle Weekly.

“Obviously, it’s my junior club as well.

“We had a pretty decent side in the 17s and 18s – we won those grand finals.

“Then I progressed into the reggies, we claimed that crown in 2015.

“So, I’ve won a few lower grade comps at Lakes United.

“It would be nice to also do that in firsts.

“We went close in 2018 when South Newcastle beat us – that hurt a little bit.

“And, even though I left, the club always held a good place in my heart.

“So, I jumped at the chance to play under Bubba again as he knows how to challenge me and get me playing my best football.

“I originally signed with one of my mates, Dylan Phythian, who’s in the Knights system at the moment.

“But, it’s just good to be back.”

Kelly’s return to the Seagulls coincides with their 75th anniversary celebrations in June.

“There’s a great vibe around the place,” he said.

“Lakes United is probably a bit different from other clubs, in regards to not having the big money to pay players.

“However, the culture and mateship are top notch here.

“We’ve got a lot of good juniors coming through the grades as well.

“They definitely keep the older boys on their toes,” he added with a laugh.

“It doesn’t seem that long ago from when I was one of those teenagers.

“So, it’s crazy to think I’m now part of the senior crew.

“I guess it’s become my role to nurture them and help them along the way.

“At 27, I’ve got to try and be a leader of the club.”

The Seagulls’ big test comes this weekend in the shape of undefeated Maitland Pickers, who put The Entrance Tigers to the sword 38-12 in their previous outing.

The combatants will lock horns at Cahill Oval on Saturday 16 April.

“This competition is just getting better all the time,” Kelly said.

“So, if you show up, but you’re not there ready to play, you’ll get your pants pulled down.

“Maitland is definitely one of the strongest teams in the Real NRL.

“But, we’ll see how we go – and keep improving.

“We’re not too worried about gauging ourselves with the other sides.

“We are just focussed on being better as each week comes.

“We need to improve as a group and have fun.

“We’re targeting a top five berth – like everyone, you want to make the semis.

“I think with the players we’ve got this year, we can give it a good crack.

“Plus, we’ve assembled a great coaching staff, with the likes of Bubba and ex-Knight Daniel Abraham.

“They’re leading us in the right direction.”

In other round four encounters, the Goannas and Kurri Kurri Bulldogs face off on Thursday 14 April.

Then, on Friday 15 April, the Tigers host the Macquarie Scorpions at EDSACC Oval North and the South Newcastle Lions, on a high after beating Central Newcastle, meet the Roos at Townson Oval.

The Butcher Boys tackle the Western Suburbs Rosellas in a must-win showdown for both outfits at St John Oval on Saturday 16 April.

2022 Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL)

Denton Engineering Cup

Round three results:

• Lakes United Seagulls d Wyong Roos 18-16
• Maitland Pickers d The Entrance Tigers 38-12
• Macquarie Scorpions d Cessnock Goannas 20-10
• South Newcastle Lions d Central Newcastle Butcher Boys 36-12
• Kurri Kurri Bulldogs d Western Suburbs Rosellas 14-4

Round four draw:

Thursday 14 April

• 8pm: Cessnock Goannas v Kurri Kurri Bulldogs (Cessnock Sports Ground)

Friday 15 April

• 2.30pm: The Entrance Tigers v Macquarie Scorpions (Cessnock Sports Ground)
• 3pm: South Newcastle Lions v Wyong Roos (Townson Oval)

Saturday 16 April

• 3pm: Lakes United Seagulls v Maitland Pickers (Cahill Oval)
• 3pm: Central Newcastle Butcher Boys v Western Suburbs Rosellas (St John Oval)

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