Berry, 36, injured his neck in the 92-5 loss to Merewether a fortnight ago. He is awaiting scans but is almost resigned to pulling the pin.

With coach Tony Munro unavailable due to work commitments, Berry took over as coach in the 43-0 defeat to Hamilton and will continue in the role.

"Munners is running the by-election in the Upper Hunter for the Australian Electoral Commission and could be away for 10 weeks," Berry said.

Berry has already called on former teammate and NSW Country lock Matt Dun to lend a hand and plans to tap up John Cannon and Lucas McBeath.

The Students were boosted by the inclusion of Wildfires second grade players Isi Fukofuka, Inoke Rokotolu and Josh Havea against Hamilton. The Wildfires second grade had the bye.

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** Hamilton will host their annual "Got Your Back Sista" Charity Day on Saturday. The organisation supports women and children who have been subject to domestic violence. The first grade jerseys will be auctioned among other fundraising activities.

** Phil Talaileva, the son of inspiration Southern Beaches back-rower Va, was named forward of the tournament after helping steer Hunter to the under-18 NSW Country Championships crown. Hunter beat Mid North Coast 20-17 in the final.

Nelson Bay's Oscar Affleck was named best forward in the under-15s. Nelson Bay will host the Country Championships for the under-12s, 13s and 14s this weekend.

** Wanderers had an appeal dismissed on Wednesday night against the severity of a five-match ban handed to Francis Ieremia for striking in the round two loss to Merewether.

** Former Hamilton fly-half Connor Mulhearn made his first grade debut for Sunnybank in a 49-7 loss to competition leader University of Queensland in the Brisbane Premier competition on Saturday. Mulhearn moved north this season.

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