It’s been suggested that Maitland Pickers star Chad O’Donnell had better enter the million-dollar Lotto draw as soon as possible.
The reason is simple: over the past 10 months, he’s won everything else.
After capturing the Denton Engineering Cup with the Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL) outfit in September, the talented playmaker backed up with his team-mates to snare the NSW President’s Cup.
He was then selected in the Newcastle Rebels rep squad earlier this season, taking out the NSWRL Country Championship, earning man of the match honours and gaining a spot in the Country side.
If that wasn’t enough, O’Donnell captained the squad to a stunning 26-20 victory, over City, and walked away with the best player accolades again.
“You’re right, I should buy a lottery ticket,” he said with a laugh.
“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind.
“For no particular reason, I actually had a goal at the start of this year to make 2023 one of my best seasons.
“I just wanted to give it a good crack.
“For me, the rep campaign was more like a pre-season build up to the Pickers.
“But, I was fortunate enough to play some really good footy with some top players.
“I think I was a bit lucky to win those awards off the back of what everyone else did.
“At the moment, I’m just enjoying myself, having fun and playing with a smile on my face.
“I believe that’s when I produce my best [footy].
“And, whatever comes from that is a bonus… I’ll just keep moving forward.”
Aided by a brilliant effort by Maitland’s forwards – James Taylor, Jayden Butterfield, Alex Langbridge, Reid Alchin, Lincoln Smith, Sam Anderson, Harrison Spruce, Peter Wilson and Faitotoa Faitotoa, O’Donnell was instrumental in the Pickers’ fighting 25-18 triumph over The Entrance Tigers in round nine.
He set up a couple of tries, landed a telling field goal and kicked two conversions.
“It was good [to get the win]; it was a tough little battle,” he said.
“The pack did an incredible job, that’s a big Tigers team.
“We endured a bit of a disruptive week with Brock (Lamb) and Gaz (Gary Anderson) out, however it showed our camaraderie in the side.
“It doesn’t matter who’s missing or whatever, we’ll all step up.”
O’Donnell was quick to praise a newcomer to the fold, Muswellbrook’s Bailey Taylor, as well as outside men, Singleton duo James Taylor and Will Nieuwenhuise.
The Upper Hunter trio each bagged a four-pointer at the weekend.
“Bailey’s incredible, that try he scored was sensational,” he said.
“He’s played fullback, wing and wherever he pops up, he gets the job done.
“Bailey, James and Will just find the line… there must be something in the water up there.”
While many thought The Entrance clash was a stern test for Maitland, O’Donnell admitted the premiers’ showdown with Macquarie a fortnight earlier was a huge wake-up call.
“I think the one [match] we needed occurred against the Scorpions when we had 10 players on the field,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“That sort of kicked us in the bum to realise what we can do when we work together.
“And, it was no different on Saturday [when we met the Tigers].
“We were very sloppy and a few calls didn’t go our way, but we still held it together to get the victory.
“It doesn’t matter if you prevail by 20 or two, as long as you come away with the win.”
The Pickers now tackle the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs at No 1 Sportsground on 3 June.
“We’re looking forward to that match,” O’Donnell said.
“Hopefully, we’ll have some of the guys back on deck.
“However, we won’t take the Bulldogs lightly.
“In fact, I’m expecting Kurri Kurri to start strongly.
“If there’s anything this competition has proven in 2023, it’s you always need to be on your game.”
The encounter will also double as Maitland’s Ladies Day from 1pm until 6pm.
For the fairer sex, $50 covers ground entry, champagne on arrival, four drinks and food, with a DJ providing the entertainment.
Tickets are available from
Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League
Denton Engineering Cup
Round nine results:
- Macquarie Scorpions d Lakes United Seagulls 32-24
- Maitland Pickers d The Entrance Tigers 25-18
- Wyong Roos d Cessnock Goannas 26-18
- Central Newcastle Butcher Boys drew with Western Suburbs Rosellas 14-all
- Northern Hawks d Kurri Kurri Bulldogs 50-18
- Bye: South Newcastle Lions
Round 10 draw:
Saturday 3 June
- 2pm: Macquarie Scorpions v Wyong Roos (Lyall Peacock Field)
- 3pm: Western Suburbs Rosellas v Northern Hawks (Harker Oval)
- 3pm: Maitland Pickers v Kurri Kurri Bulldogs (No 1 Sportsground)
Sunday 4 June
- 2pm: South Newcastle Lions v Cessnock Goannas (Townson Oval)
- 3pm: The Entrance Tigers v Central Newcastle Butcher Boys (EDSACC Oval)
- Bye: Lakes United Seagulls
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