Pickers coach Trevor Ott said it was a great opportunity for Faughlin, who has been one of Maitland’s most consistent performers in the opening five rounds of the Newcastle Rugby League season.

“It’s a big loss for us, but of course he goes with our blessings. He learned about the opportunity before last Saturday’s game and did terrifically well given such a weighty decision was on his mind,” Ott said.

“He told the boys at training on Tuesday and everyone will miss him as he is a top bloke.”

Faughlin’s departure will see Matthew Ireland come into the team at fullback, the only change to the backs for Saturday’s crucial game against Cessnock at Coronation Oval.

Luke Dorn’s move to halfback paid immediate dividends for the Pickers in their 40-1 smashing of Lakes United last Saturday.

“Our kicking game was great. Dorny taking on the line and Birchy following that lead put us in good stead for scoring on the back of that,” Ott said.

“Jake Hawkins was very strong at No.9 and to be able to swap him around with Jarrod Smith after he played rep was really good. I was happy with the strength they provided up the middle, it was very good.

“It was pleasing to start the game really well. I thought defensively we were on song, we scrambled well and shut down a few opportunities that Lakes did have. To their credit they threw a fair bit at us.

“A 12-0 lead at half-time wasn’t a huge lead, but we played well to achieve that. The way we played in the second half was outstanding. I thought once we got to `16-0 we were going to go on with it and I was really pleased we did.”

The Pickers will be without forward Rob Mason for six weeks after he fractured his patella and Jarrod Smith and Lincoln Smith, who will be on rep duties with the Newcastle Rebels.

Ott said he expected a tough game against Cessnock, who competed well last week against Macquarie in a 10-20 loss.

“They are going to be a hard proposition and we’ve got to have the right attitude,” he said.

Saturday is the annual Harry Hofman Memorial Match and Pickers Old Boy Day, with the Pickers Ladies League Tag team kicking off the day at 11am.

A tribute will be held before the start of the reserves game at 1.30pm for Pickers reserve player Hofman, who died suddenly in October 2014, from a ruptured spleen.