ELI McCULLOCH boasts the best pass in Hunter Rugby, but the Greens will miss the halfback's leadership more than his slick service.
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In a major blow, McCulloch is unlikely to play again this season after dislocating his hip in the Greens' 17-0 loss to Hamilton at Townson Oval on Saturday.
Play was held up for 45 minutes midway through the first half after McCulloch got caught in an awkward position on the side of a ruck and a bundle of bodies landed on the No.9.
He was eventually taken by ambulance to the John Hunter Hospital, where he remained on Sunday.
"He is in a bit of pain but is in good spirits considering the injury," Merewether assistant coach Tony Munro said. "At this stage, there doesn't appear to be any structural damage, just ligaments.
"The hip popped out and [Merewether player and surgeon] Michael Dan was able to put it back in on the field.
"Eli will see a surgeon in Sydney this week and take it from there. He probably won't get back on the field this year."
McCulloch, a Merewether junior, has owned the No.9 jumper since his first grade debut in 2018.
"He has turned into a really good leader of a young outfit," Munro said. "He is a great kid. His injury, no doubts, had an impact on the group. They are all close mates."
The score was nil-all when McCulloch went down.
Hamilton fly-half Billy Clay crossed for a converted try in the 21st minute and then Taufa Kinikini added a second as the Hawks led 14-0 at half-time. Clay added a penalty to ice the result and make it two from two to open the season for the Hawks.
"We were pretty dominant before the injury and continued on with it," Hamilton coach Marty Berry said. "We played a bit more conservatively than we normally would. We only dropped the ball eight times which is pretty good and kept the ball in contact as well. We only lost one or two in contact and turned over six from them. The discipline was very good.
"Merewether had a few out and probably used a lot of emotional energy and physical energy in the game [against Wanders] on Anzac Day."
Elsewhere Saturday, Wanderers bounced back from their 24-23 loss to the Greens to beat University 26-12 at Bernie Curran Oval. The Two Blues jumped out of the box and led 21-0.
Breakaway Phoenix Bluegum crossed midway through the second half as South Beaches won a rugged contest with Singleton 7-6 at Ernie Calland Field.
Maitland scored six second-half tries to overpower Lake Macquarie 48-0 at Walters Park.
Nelson Bay had the bye.
James Gardiner
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
