It’s not how Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL) wanted to start the 2022 season but at least a few matches made it onto the field.

After suffering the ravages of COVID-19 at the end of 2021, with the play-offs being abandoned, the competition fell victim to the weather gods for the opening round at the weekend.

Both the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs-Lakes United Seagulls (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground) and Macquarie Scorpions-South Newcastle Lions (Lyall Peacock Field) fixtures were washed out – and postponed until a later date – due to the condition of the playing surfaces.

However, on a positive note, the Wyong Roos kick-started their Real NRL campaign with a 16-12 victory over The Entrance Tigers at Morry Breen Oval and the Cessnock Goannas proved too strong for the Western Suburbs Rosellas 14-10 at the Cessnock Sports Ground on Saturday.

Then, 24 hours later, in the feature clash, the Maitland Pickers edged out the Central Newcastle Butcher Boys 24-10 at St John Oval.

The 2021 minor premiers got off to a flyer, leading 16-0 through tries to centre Gary Anderson and winger Perry Le Brocque, as well as lock Sam Anderson.

But, the Butcher Boys hit back to trail 16-10 after fullback Cameron Anderson and second-rower Randall Briggs crossed the line.

Another four-pointer, this time to winger James Bradley, and a couple of goals to halfback Brock Lamb sealed the win.

Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL)

Denton Engineering Cup

Round one results:

• Maitland Pickers d Central Newcastle Butcher Boys 24-10
• Wyong Roos d The Entrance Tigers 16-12
• Cessnock Goannas d Western Suburbs Rosellas 14-10
• Kurri Kurri Bulldogs v Lakes United Seagulls – postponed
• Macquarie Scorpions v South Newcastle Lions – postponed

Round two draw:

Saturday 2 April

• 3pm: Wyong Roos v Central Newcastle Butcher Boys (Morry Breen Oval)
• 3pm: Cessnock Goannas v Lakes United Seagulls (Cessnock Sports Ground)
• 3pm: Maitland Pickers v Western Suburbs Newcastle Rosellas (Maitland No 1 Sportsground)
• 3pm: Kurri Kurri Bulldogs v Macquarie Scorpions (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)

Sunday 3 April

• 3pm: The Entrance Tigers v South Newcastle Lions (EDSACC Oval North)

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