The Maitland Blacks plan to spoil Singleton’s on-field party on Saturday as the Bulls start their 50th anniversary celebrations.
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The hunt for Newcastle Hunter Rugby Union competition points is too pressing for the third-placed Blacks to show any compassion for the last-placed Singleton.
The Blacks sit only behind undefeated Hamilton and The Waratahs on the competition ladder after defeating Merewether Carlton at Townson Oval last Saturday.
The Blacks have been in scintillating form with the forwards and backs combining in attack and defence. The team’s defensive line speed has caused plenty of headaches for opponents in the first six rounds of the competition.
Blacks joint coach Mick Hickling last week’s effort was built on gritty defence and sticking to the mantra of scoring points every time they visit the opposition’s end.
“It was a real gritty defensive effort. We were under a heap of pressure but we defended our line strongly,” he said.
“They scored a late try, which brought the scored to 20-18 but we struck to it defensively and when we got down their end we managed to come away with points from a penalty.
“A defensive effort like we put is all about attitude and it will really build a lot of confidence.”
A defensive effort like we put is all about attitude and it will really build a lot of confidence.
- Maitland Blacks joint coach Mick Hickling
Hickling said Jye Estatheo and Chris Logan were building a dangerous combination for the Blacks, which will create a lot of headaches for opponents.
“It’s the second or third game they have played together there as a combination and they are looking dangerous,” he said.
The Blacks will again be without skipper Michael Howell, who has been named in the starting XV for the NSW Country Cockatoos clash against the Australian under 20s at Chatswood on Saturday.
Blacks XV: 1. James Curran, 2. Rhys Watson, 3. Kurt Courtney, 4 James Howell, 5. Theo Risley, 6. Jordy Lantry, 7. Dave Curry, 8. John Birrell, 9. Adam McCarthy, 10. Pat Batey, 11. Rob Williamson, 12. Jye Estatheo, 13. Chris Logan, 14. Chirs Martin, 15. Josh McCormack.
Meanwhile, Steve Merrick heads a red-hot halfback field for Singleton’s all-time first XV.
On Saturday, the Bulls host the first of three major events to mark their 50th anniversary. The club’s history has been broken into four generations 1967-86, 1987-96, 1997-2008 and 2009 to the present.
The best XV from each generation, chosen by members, will be named at a reunion lunch on Saturday, which coincides with the derby against Maitland. An all-time XV will be named at a dinner in July.
Merrick, who played two Tests and was a member of the 95, 96, 97, premiership team, faces competition from fellow Wallaby Josh Valentine, former NSW Waratah Tim Rapp and the club’s most capped player Gary Buckton.