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REAL NRL: Pickers primed after securing minor premiership

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Having the weekend off could be a blessing in disguise for the Maitland Pickers, according to coach Matt Lantry.

The Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL) heavyweights clinched the 2022 minor premiership, with the highly-respected mentor now turning his attention to the upcoming play-offs.

Maitland snared top spot on the back of 15 victories with the Central Newcastle Butcher Boys breathing down their necks over the final rounds.

It capped off a big year for the Pickers, who triumphed in reserve grade and league tag, too.

For good measure, Brock Lamb was named highest pointscorer, amassing 173 points, despite only scoring five tries.

“That’s one box ticked,” Lantry said.

“It’s a nice bonus to win a minor premiership and likewise for the reggies and women for finishing first as well.

“Our under-19s are also in the mix.

“It shows our club is really healthy, with some great quality and an abundance of local juniors ready to come through and step up to the mark.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how they all progress through the finals series.

“From a Maitland perspective, we’re headed in the right direction as an organisation.”

Lantry said the Pickers were keen to recharge their batteries ahead of the business end of the season.

“We’ve played three tough matches in a row against Macquarie [Scorpions], South Newcastle [Lions] and Cessnock [Goannas],” he explained.

“Our last hit-out had a real semi-final intensity to it.

“Cessnock threw everything at us.

“They had it all to play for in the race to lock down a top three position.

“So, a fortnight off has come at a good time for us.

“We can rest some bodies and be fresh in two weeks.”

There, they’ll meet either the Butcher Boys or the Scorpions, who’ll face off at St John Oval, Charlestown, on Saturday 20 August.

“Whoever prevails, we’ll be waiting for them,” Lantry said.

“Central has gone 10 straight and they’re playing some super footy down there.

“It is a tremendous team, well-coached.

“Likewise for Macquarie.

“The Scorpions enjoyed a decent win at the weekend.

“Plus, they’ve really put it to us the past two occasions we’ve met.”

In the elimination showdown, the Goannas tackle the Lions at Baddeley Park, Cessnock, on Sunday 21 August.

Denton Engineering Cup

  • Minor premiers: Maitland Pickers
  • Highest pointscorer: Brock Lamb (173 points)
  • Leading tryscorer: Cameron Anderson (15)

Reserve grade

  • Minor premiers: Maitland Pickers
  • Highest pointscorer: Danny Vale (100 points)
  • Leading tryscorer: Danny Vale (14)

Under-19s

  • Minor premiers: Lakes United
  • Highest pointscorer: Will Botham (90 points)
  • Leading tryscorer: Brandon Thompson (18)

Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL)

Denton Engineering Cup

Round 18 results:

  • Central Newcastle Butcher Boys d The Entrance Tigers 26-6
  • Maitland Pickers d Cessnock Goannas 12-8
  • Macquarie Scorpions d Lakes United Seagulls 30-8
  • South Newcastle Lions d Kurri Kurri Bulldogs 26-8
  • Wyong Roos d Western Suburbs Rosellas 38-34

2022 play-off draw:

Semi-final 1

Saturday 20 August at St John Oval, Charlestown

  • 11.10am: Under-19s – South Newcastle Lions v Western Suburbs Rosellas
  • 12.25pm: Reserve grade – Northern Hawks v Western Suburbs Rosellas
  • 2pm: Denton Cup – Central Newcastle Butcher Boys v Macquarie Scorpions

Elimination semi-final

Sunday 21 August at Baddeley Park, Cessnock

  • 11.10am: Under-19s – Maitland Pickers v Macquarie Scorpions
  • 12.25pm: Reserve grade – Macquarie Scorpions v Lakes United Seagulls
  • 2pm: Denton Cup – Cessnock Goannas v South Newcastle Lions

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