Maitland won their opening two Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union premier division fixtures but has added several important names to their injury list in the process.

A week off after round two has the Blacks refreshed and ready to go as they prepare to travel to Townson Oval to face Merewether Carlton on Saturday.

Dave Currey (burst ear drum) has been given the all clear, while representative halfback Jono O’Toole has recovered from a hamstring injury in time to play Merewether.

Maitland will still be without Ryan McCormack who has undergone arthroscopic surgery to repair damage to his knee while his brother Josh is still at least two weeks away from returning after suffering a shoulder injury in the opening minutes of the season opener.

Tynan said the week off has been welcomed by the Blacks.

“Having a rest has been good for us, I’m just hoping what’s happened with our injuries at this early stage doesn’t come back to haunt us later in the year,” he said.

“We’ve been through a little bit of adversity so we need to see where we come out of it.”

Tynan said he expected a different challenge from Merewether than the physical battle his team overcame against Easts.

“Carlton will throw the ball around and we’ll have to chase them,” he said.

“We didn’t have to chase Easts, that’s for sure, they were very physical and we stood up to them well.

“I think Merewether are a bit similar to us, they have a few new players and some younger guys coming in so it will be another good test.”

Representative breakaway James Johnston has been named as captain in the absence of Dan Runchel who is unavailable, while Josh Gray is in Brisbane with work commitments.

Tom Quinn will move to fullback for the Blacks while Jayde Lantry will come on to the wing.

Kick off is at 3pm.