The Pickers, who most recently finished on top of the competition ladder in 2011, now have an unassailable lead with two rounds remaining in the regular season having accounted for the Butcher Boys in what was a top-of-the-table clash at Maitland Sportsground on Saturday.

However, while pleased with the achievement and performance, Pickers coach Matt Lantry may not see Anderson again for the rest of this campaign.

Anderson, who only returned to Maitland from a Queensland Cup stint earlier this month, suffered a head knock and was taken from the field just after half-time before having an operation in John Hunter Hospital on Sunday.

"I don't think we'll see him again this year which is a shame," Lantry said.

Lantry said sealing the minor title was a "nice achievement" and rewarded "consistency", having now won 12 straight games.

"It's something to hang our hat on, but now it's about finishing the year strong," Lantry said.

This follows a successful showing from Maitland in last year's statewide President's Cup, collecting both trophies from the COVID-prompted competition.

Taj Ridley became the club's fourth debutant this season, Tom Cant shifted to hooker and Matt Soper-Lawler, who nabbed a double, replaced Daniel Langbridge (neck) at fullback. Injured skipper Alex Langridge (finger) is expected back during the next fortnight.

Central were reduced to 11 men around the 30-minute minute mark with Dylan Phythian and Kurt Donoghoe sent to the sin bin for separate infringements in quick succession.

The Butcher Boys, who also lost returning winger Mao Uta to concussion midway through the first half, now slip from second to third on the overall standings.

Cessnock's 40-16 victory over Macquarie saw the Goannas jump up a rung, one point above Central, having scored seven tries-to-three at home on Saturday.

In the other round 16 match unaffected by the state's coronavirus restrictions, Lakes rallied from 14 down to beat hosts Kurri Kurri 34-28 on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the sidelined Wyong Roos have announced the re-signing of Mitch Williams as captain-coach for 2022.

"Mitch has been tutored by some of the best coaches in rugby league and brings to the position a wealth of experience, an intimate knowledge of the technical aspects of the game and of high level performance," Wyong officials released in a statement.

"Perhaps most important of all, Mitch brings to the job a love for the club and its players."

LADDER: Maitland 28, Cessnock 22, Central 21, Macquarie 19, Wests 18, Wyong 14, The Entrance 12, Lakes 11, Kurri 9, Souths 6.