FRIDAY night footy will shine at Cessnock Sportsground this week when the Goannas host Lakes in one of Newcastle Rugby League's two last-round encounters.
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Officially announced on Wednesday, the fixture has been scheduled ahead of the October long weekend which was originally slated as the start of finals.
Player availability was a potential issue so the clubs agreed to move the game forward. Kick-off is 8:15pm.
Cessnock (16), coming off the bye, are sitting second on the competition ladder. They are two points behind leaders Wyong (18) and two ahead of next best Wests (14).
Wyong, who can claim the minor premiership, are away to last-placed Maitland on Saturday and Wests have the bye. The Goannas have a better for-and-against record than both of those sides.
Fourth-placed Souths (13) now have a bye in round 11. Upcoming opponents Central withdrew from first grade last week following the death and funeral of Butcher Boys prop Joel Dark.
Lakes (9) are fifth and out of contention for the semis.
* REALITY television contestents continue popping up from the Newcastle RL ranks.
Cessnock winger Joe Woodbury now joins Macquarie premiership-winning skipper Chris Hyde and former Rebels prop Brad Cranfield on the list.
* LAKES awarded life memberships to Nick Glohe and Jake Scott in the sheds at Cahill Oval before play on the weekend.
* WESTS claimed three division one titles from junior grand finals over the weekend with the Rosellas victorious in under 14s, under 15s and under 17s. Valentine Eleebana (under 13s), Cessnock (under 16s) and Greta Branxton (under 18s) also won deciders for 2020.
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