HAMILTON coach Scott Coleman refers to them as rock stars.
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This time last year he lost five of them for five games to NSW Country commitments.
Winger Sireli Bainivalu was this week the only Hawk out of eight Newcastle players named for the four-week Country program.
Instead, the Hawks have been hit by departure and injury. Breakaway Harry Veitch has moved to the Gold Coast for work, Steve Sione has travelled back to New Zealand to attend his grandmother’s funeral, Joe Akkerdyk is at least a week away from returning from a collarbone injury and Gareth Tilse (broken thumb) faces another six weeks out.
Rather than dwell on the Hawks misfortune, Coleman believes the situation could work in the premiers’ favour.
Promising breakaways Dominic Vervaart and Michael Mercer and hooker Lachlan Hodge will get another taste of first grade against a rejuvenated Nelson Bay at Passmore on Saturday.
“It is a chance to give these young guys a crack and see how they go,” Coleman said.
“In a way it is hard, but it is good for the club. It gives our depth a go which will only reap rewards when the rock stars come back. ”
Mercer and Vervaart are both “workers” and bring “a tonne of enthusiasm”.
Captain Steve Lamont has moved to No.8, which has opened the door for Hodges.
“He is in his third year out of colts and has trained really hard in the pre-season,” Coleman said. “He has always been stuck behind Steve Lamont or Chris Pusi.”
The Hawks bounced back from a 14-all draw against Maitland with a 69-7 thrashing of Singleton.
Nelson Bay finished below the Bulls last year but the Gropers are much improved.
“They have a few players back from travelling overseas and have brought a few mates with them,” Coleman said. “They will be a big test.”
Nelson Bay went down 25-7 to Wanderers last round but welcome back fullback Chad Northcott and Country winger Jack Arthur.
“We made four mistakes which cost us four tries against Wanderers,” player-coach Adam Edwards said. “You can’t do that against the better sides. We went with them in the second half but the damage was done.”
In a further boost for the Bay, Dan Collins has returned from England but will start in the lower grades.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Kiwi fly-half Dan Wells is expected to return for University against Wanderers at No.2 Sportsground.
Southern beaches Fly-half Michael Delore returns for the grudge match against Lake Macquarie at Calland Oval, Merewether are at home to Singleton and The Waratahs host Maitland.
