THE script couldn't be written any better. Ryan Jackson arrives from England on Monday to add size, experience and quality to the Southern Beaches pack.
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It will be the powerhouse hooker's third stint in Newcastle. He was briefly at Lake Macquarie before helping Wanderers to the 2017 grand final. Jackson's first game for Beaches will be against Wanderers at Ernie Calland Oval. He had been in talks with the Two Blues about a return but needs to be back in England in mid August before the semi-finals.
His Tonbridge teammate, prop Alex Reid, did join Wanderers and made an eye-catching debut in the 19-13 win over Nelson.
"We will certainly benefit from Ryan's leadership," Southern Beaches coach Ben Kinkade said. "He is a very strong scrummager and a powerful runner."
Beaches have improved with every game and Kinkade was filthy after the 26-14 to University.
"The group is progressing every week," he said. "We will get a couple of scalps."
* Wallaroos hopefuls Katrina Barker and Maya Stewart were left out of the Hunter women's team to contest the country championships to allow them to focus on selection for the Test squad to take on Japan here next month.
* Respected referee Lauren Kelly will put away her whistle this weekend to play for the Hunter women at the Country Championship. Kelly plays for Merewether and is a handy hooker or fly-half.
* Newcastle and Hunter colts coach Blake Creighton is confident his players have the talent to overcome a short preparation and defend their NSW Country Championship crown in Tamworth this weekend.
Initially the NHRU was not going to send a side, but after consultation and co-operation with the junior association changed tact.
Creighton coached Newcastle to success at the under-18 and under-19 championships last year and will play a similar style.
"We are not the biggest team, but we will be one of the fittest," Creighton said. "All going well, and hopefully it is not to wet up that way, we will look to play an expansive game again. Having some skillful forwards will help on that front. They have the ability to play out the back and the forwards to do tip-ons and that sort of stuff.
"Beau Merrick who is playing hooker has been starting at inside centre for Singleton's second grade. They are a pretty versatile bunch."
Newcastle meet Illawarra and Mid North Coast in the pool games.
Newcastle colts: 1 Jack Allen, 2 Beau Merrick, 3 Jason Allwood, 4 Will Archer, 5 Jordan Byfield, 6 Jack Johnson-Holmes, 7 Angus Shields, 8 Alex Vaughan, 9 Jack Perry, 10 Elias Pettigrew, 11 Eliston Hill, 12 Zac Robbins, 13 Brady Mather, 14 Tom Mildren, 15 Zac Crowley, 16 Ryan Goodman, 17 Lachlan MacDonald, 18 Kye Davis, 19 Ben Dyson, 20 Oscar Shields, 21 Jack Mackay.