MALTA called again for Matt Jarrett, but this time it was a different code.
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The Hunter product, who has represented the Mediterranean island nation at rugby union World Cup qualifiers previously, switched to rugby league for a Test against Lebanon in Sydney on Saturday.
The playmaker came off the bench for the last 20 minutes, but the underdogs went down 24-4 to their World Cup-bound opponents.
* HUNTER Sports High were beaten 26-16 by All Saints College, St Mary’s Campus, Maitland, at Cessnock Sportsground on Wednesday in the opening round of the GIO Cup, or the latest version of the national schoolboys competition.
St Mary’s were led around by Knights SG Ball duo Jock Madden and Tyran Ott and next face Holy Cross, Ryde, at Leichhardt Oval on June 7 in the round-robin stage.
St Gregory’s, Campbelltown, are also in the group.
* JAKE Finn could be back on the paddock sooner than anticipated.
The Central Newcastle prop hopes to return after 10 weeks, rather than the entire season as first feared, meaning a push for the finals could be in play from around mid-July.
His knee injury was sustained during a melee against Kurri in the opening round.
* MOTHER’S Day will be marked with a splash of pink at St John Oval this Sunday.
Host teams from Central Newcastle will wear specially-made pink uniforms in fourth-round fixtures against Cessnock while staff and the leagues club itself across the road will also be in theme. Proceeds from the inaugural “Pink Test” will go to the McGrath Foundation, raising money for breast cancer.
* STILL on charity and next weekend’s NRL matches (May 18-21) will be designated “Beanie for Brain Cancer Round”.
It comes with Matt Callander, former Footy Show producer and son of racing personality Ken, battling the disease and follows the death of Sharnie Kimmorley, wife of former halfback Brett, from the same illness in March.
And of course it’s the cause close to the heart of Kurri-born Knights premiership winner Mark Hughes and forged the formation of a foundation in his name raising money for research, awareness and support.
* SEVEN North Newcastle players will push their case for state selection at North Sydney Oval on Sunday.
With the men’s concept finishing up, the inaugural NSW Women’s City-Country Shield will include Donna Sutton, Kylie Hilder, Phoebe Desmond, Margaret Watson, Jerry Burgmann, Amy Broadhead and Alicia Martin.
The Blues squad will then be announced before attempting to defend their title against Queensland later in the year.
* AND anyone hoping to get along to see Knights immortal Andrew Johns at next month’s “Tales & Ales” event in Newcastle is too late.
The State of Origin-themed luncheon at The Squire’s Maiden on June 16 is sold out.
