Seven years on Molan has relocated from Sydney to the Central Coast, progressed from cellarman to food and beverage manager for the Wyong Leagues Club group and featured in four grand finals for the Roos.

He was even best man for Wyong captain-coach Mitch Williams, who also doubles as a former housemate.

The lock reaches a milestone when he notches up his 150^th top-grade game for the undefeated Newcastle Rugby League leaders against Souths at Townson Oval on Saturday (3pm).

"It's pretty special. Central Coast is home for me now and the club have really looked after me," The Entrance 30-year-old said.

Williams said Molan "remains an extremely good ball runner and leader in our team. He has been an integral part in every Wyong team since his arrival".

Wyong will be without prop Jake Lewis (work). Souths are still missing Harry van Dartel and Jack Welsh. Lachlan Fuller debuts for the Lions off the bench. Leading point scorer Lachlan Walmsley (54) has been named at fullback.

Elsewhere and Western Suburbs host Lakes at Harker Oval on Saturday (3:30pm) with Jade Porter remaining at halfback for the Rosellas. The Seagulls have kept Nash Birch at hooker and Daniel Peck at five-eighth.

Cessnock meet the winless Pickers at Maitland Sportsground on Saturday (1pm) minus Ngangarra Barker, who is replaced at fullback by Seaton Reid.

Newcastle RL competitions resume this weekend. All round-nine fixtures were postponed out of respect for Joel Dark. The Central front-rower died on September 11, five days after collpasing on the field during his first-grade debut.

Dark's funeral is being held from 11am on Tuesday. Due to coronavirus restrictions, attendance at the service is by invitation only. A livestream will be available via Zoom.

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