The seventh-placed Blacks, out of contention for the upcoming semi-finals, host third-placed Southern Beaches in the last round of the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union competition on the club’s annual “old boys day”. 

The Blacks will be hoping the extra support will help get them across the line for their eighth win of the 2014 season while a win for Southern Beaches would ensure them a spot in next weekend’s qualifying semi-final.

The hosts will be without loose forwards Steve Belcher (injured) and Nick Davidson (unavailable) with Sean O’Connor and Hughes de Rocquigny packing down on the side of the scrum.

Jono Wotton will play No.8 with Nathan Brennan and Ryan Vesper the locks while Kurt Courtney, skipper Dan Runchel and James Curran make up the front row. 

In the backline Luke Cunningham and Josh McCormack are the halves, Josh Gray and Rob Buaserau have been named as the centre pairing, Rob Williamson and Tom Quinn are on the wings while Jono O’Toole is the fullback.

Elsewhere in round 18 the Hamilton Hawks host title holders The Waratahs at Passmore Oval, Nelson Bay are away to minor premiers Wanderers, Lake Macquarie meet Merewether Carlton while University clash with Easts. 

All matches kick off at 3pm.

In other rugby union news the Blacks under-18 premiership winning side from 1984 will hold a reunion at Marcellin Park on Saturday.