A huge pre-season is paying massive dividends for the Wyong Roos, according to strike fullback Luke Sharpe.
The Central Coast outfit has firmly entrenched itself in the Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL) top three this season… with eyes on the big prize come September, the Denton Engineering Cup.
After ending the Cessnock Goannas undefeated run a fortnight ago, Wyong continued its giant-killing ways at the weekend by toppling 2022 grand finalists Macquarie Scorpions 22-14 away from home.
For his part, the speedy custodian bagged a try as the Roos registered win number seven.
“We dug deep in the tough conditions, it was pretty warm out there,” Sharpe said.
“But, coming up here [Toronto] is always hard.
“I think it’s been a bit of a hoodoo venue for us.
“So, it was good to finally get the two points.”
Even though there were brilliant individual attacking performances on the field, by the likes of Levi Kasun, Lathan Hutchison-Walters, Isaac Akuoko, Ryan Walsh and captain-coach Mitch Williams, it was Wyong’s defence, which proved the difference.
“We really stepped up in that area last week,” Sharpe said.
“And, through that, we got the result we needed.
“So, one of our goals was to come out with that same mentality against Macquarie.
“Obviously, keeping them to zero at the break was a positive sign.
“As well, coming out on top at the end of each half, it’s something we’ve been working on.”
Sharpe, who was named in the 2017 Intrust Super Premiership NSW Team of the Year, said the turnaround in the Roos’ form from 2022 had been noticeable to everyone.
However, there’s a reason for that.
“Our pre-season definitely got off to a good start,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“We had a strong back end to the year in 2022; and continued that momentum in the lead-up to 2023.
“We’ve also picked up a couple of new signings, which have improved our depth.
“Thankfully, we have been lucky with injuries this season, too.
“That makes a difference putting the same side on the field every week.
“It really helps with combinations and consistency.
“But, the mood throughout the club is great as well.
“I’ve virtually been with Wyong since I was 12 years of age, apart from a season or two… I love the place.”
Awaiting the Roos in round 11 are defending premiers Maitland Pickers.
The two teams will lock horns at No 1 Sportsground on Saturday 10 June.
“It will be tough, no doubt about it,” Sharpe said.
“In my eyes, I thought Cessnock was top of the table.
“However, Maitland at home will really show us where we’re at.
“So, we are excited by that challenge.
“It’s a terrific test for the boys.”
In other showdowns, the Scorpions face The Entrance Tigers, the Goannas meet the Central Newcastle Butcher Boys and the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs host the Lakes United Seagulls on Saturday.
Twenty-four hours later, the Northern Hawks tackle the South Newcastle Lions.
Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League
Denton Engineering Cup
Round 10 results:
- Wyong Roos d Macquarie Scorpions 22-14
- Western Suburbs Rosellas d Northern Hawks 24-20
- Maitland Pickers d Kurri Kurri Bulldogs 40-12
- South Newcastle Lions d Cessnock Goannas 22-14
- Central Newcastle Butcher Boys d The Entrance Tigers 8-4
- Bye: Lakes United Seagulls
Round 11 draw:
Saturday 10 June
- 2pm: Macquarie Scorpions v The Entrance Tigers (Lyall Peacock Field)
- 3pm: Cessnock Goannas v Central Newcastle Butcher Boys (Cessnock Sportsground)
- 3pm: Kurri Kurri Bulldogs v Lakes United Seagulls (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)
- 3pm: Maitland Pickers v Wyong Roos (No 1 Sportsground)
Sunday 11 June
- 3pm: Northern Hawks v South Newcastle Lions (Tomaree Sports Ground)
- Bye: Western Suburbs Rosellas
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