HAYDEN Cale experienced a lot in a Shute Shield career that included more than 100 games for the Western Sydney Two Blues and a season with the Hunter Wildfires.
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Then he rocked up to a heaving Townson Oval for his debut for Wanderers against arch-rivals Merewether.
It was Hunter rugby at its best. Two traditional rivals going at each other to mark Anzac Day.
Big hits. Scintillating tries. Desperate defence. Red cards. All in front of a parochial and raucous crowd of over 3000.
"It was something I didn't expect," Cole said. "If you play for Wanderers against the Greens it is so tribal. That is why people stick around. You want to be invested emotionally as well. It was a big crowd and everyone was getting into it. It was a good introduction to Newcastle rugby."
Merewether triumphed 30-19 in round two. Wanderers haven't lost a game since and Cole has been integral to the successful run.
"Hayden has been unreal," Wanderers coach Dan Beckett said. "He is an indication of where we are as a team. At the start, those disconnects we talk about were because he we were all new.
"He keeps raising the bar every game. He is starting to know his place and educate a few of the others too. He is a teacher by profession. He has fitted in with our culture here. He wants to get better, he wants to learn and he is helping those around him."
Cole moved to Lake Macquarie last year and had intended to have a season with Macquarie in the Newcastle Rugby until COVID struck. The Scorpions sat out the season and Cole landed at the Wildfires.
He had played alongside Wanderers lock Marcus Christensen at Western Sydney and after moving into the Newcastle town centre was drawn to No.2 Sportsground.
"I was done with all the travel. I did a couple of years of that in Sydney, and last year with the Wildfires," Cole said. "I live around the corner from No.2 Sportsground. It is so much easier. The club has been very welcoming."
After starting the season at outside centre, Cole has found his spot at fullback, highlighted by two tries in the 50-22 win over Nelson Bay last round.
"I love fullback and the freedom you have," he said. "Even the kick returns and having an open field in front of you. Playing in the centres is more about being a hole runner or getting over the ad-line which doesn't suit the way I play."
In recent weeks, Cole has formed a lethal partnership with winger Tim Marsh
"We can keep up with other and each week I am working out how he plays," Cole said. "It's the same with Luke Simmons at 10. Especially with some of the quick ball out the back. You don't have to have a second look, it's instinctive."
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James Gardiner
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
