Two classy second-half plays from Blacks five-eighth Pat Batey nullified any potential Roos comeback. 

The first saw Batey intercept a Roos pass when the Lake Macquarie team were hot on the attack. He streaked into the backfield, linking with outside centre Jye Estatheo who offloaded to flanker John Birrell for a remarkable 70-metre try. 

The second moment sealed the game. Batey chipped over the top of the Roos’ defence, regathering himself and then flinging it to Estatheo who scored untouched. 

Batey was aided by a willing forward pack, with Travis Brooke and Michael Howell leading the way.

Lake Macquarie toiled hard, with Brendan Holliday marshaling the forwards. Bookends Willie Fraser and Barcelona Lupematasila scored tries. 

However, three yellow cards for ill discipline throughout the match proved too much of a hurdle for Lake macquarie to overcome, with Maitland running out 37-28.