LUKE Walsh was taken for scans and Tim Christie left wearing a CAM boot as Central defeated Lakes 30-14 in a bruising Newcastle Rugby League encounter at Cahill Oval on Sunday.
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The former NRL playmaker was taken from the field around the hour mark and Butcher Boys coach Phil Williams remained uncertain about the specific nature of Walsh's injury, suggesting likely ribs or sternum.
Central winger Christie (ankle) had been assisted from the park 10 minutes earlier.
Lakes also suffered multiple knocks, including second-rower Sione Tuitupuokutu going down clutching his knee inside the opening 15 minutes of play.
"It was a hard battle with Lakes. It's a local derby and that's what derbies are. It was a pick them up, knock them down kind of game," Williams said.
Butcher Boys winger Mao Uta crossed twice, a try in each half, while left-edge centre partner Kiah Cooper also managed a four pointer.
"We've got a bit of punch there, but the last couple of weeks it's been our right edge so it's been shared around," WIlliams said.
Scores were locked at 10-all at half-time before Central posted a 12-point lead.
Lakes struck back with an impressive 80-metre try in the 65th minute, prompted by a Sam Hibberd run and chip before Carl Randall regathered, dummied and scored in the corner to make it 22-14.
Isaac Briggs then sealed the deal for the Butcher Boys in the 69th minute, barging over under the goalposts.
In Sunday's other matches, Macquarie cleaned up winless Wests 32-0 at Lyall Peacocok Field while The Entrance ran over the top of visiting Kurri Kurri 32-4.
Saturday saw Souths beat Cessnock 22-14 and competition leaders Maitland accounted for Wyong 22-12.
LADDER: Maitland 10; Cessnock 6; Macquarie, Souths, Central, Wyong, Entrance 4; Kurri, Lakes 2; Wests 0.