With stage one of their 2018 mission successfully completed by finishing second on the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union ladder the Blacks can now concentrate on stage two bringing the first grade title back to Maitland for the first time in 19 years.

A workmanlike performance delivered a bonus-point win to finish one point ahead of Merewether Carlton, their opponent in next Saturday’s major qualifying final at Newcastle No.2 Sportsground.

But more importantly for coaches Mick Hickling and Ryan McCormack was a clean bill of health for their squad and some strong performances from key players tuning up for the finals.

One of those was McCormack himself, who was best afield filling in for young fly-half Pat Batey who was given a week on the sidelines to aid his recovery from a thumb injury.

Carl Manu was outgain outstanding and Michael Howell was strong in his continued return to his best form.

“It’s been a long campaign but we’ve achieved our first goal of a top-three finish,” Hickling said. “We re-focus now on finals footy and preparing ourselves for our first match against Merewether.

“The good news is we had no injuries and blokes like Mick Howell are really starting to hit top form going into the finals.

“He is such a strong player and leader that you sometimes take his high level of performances for granted.

“Carl Manu was outstanding again and will be a huge part of our finals campaign.

“Ryan (McCormack) received the Anderson Medal votes and was players’ player, he had a great game.”

Hickling said the Blacks would have virtually a full squad to choose from.

John Birrell and Willie Soe had the weekend off courtesy of suspensions and Dan Runchel also had a break.

“James Johnston had the flu and came off at half-time but will be fully fit for next week. We gave Pat Batey the extra week to recover. We should be fully fit,” Hickling said.

The Blacks second, third and fourth grade teams have also qualified for the finals.