Even the Covid breaks are falling the Maitland Pickers' way

Such is the case at the Maitland Pickers who are after Sunday's potential danger game against South Newcastle, at Townson Oval, have a week's break with their next game against Lakes United cancelled because of the Covid lockdown.

The result will be a Covid-draw with both teams receiving a point, but even then the Pickers will not be disadvantaged with the closest rivals Central and Cessnock also sidelined for one and two games respectively.

"You can look at it negatively but I think in the grand scheme of things it gives us that week off. It's disappointing as we'd always like to play but it is what it is," Pickers coach Matt Lantry said.

"I think that weekend off will work in our favour with the boys being able to refresh both physically and mentally."

But his attention quickly reverts back to Sunday's enounter which may throwing up some significant challenges despite the Pickers sitting on top with the just one loss and Souths last with two wins.

"I don't think their position on the ladder is reflective of their performances or roster they've got," Lantry said. "They'll have a few Knights players back this week as well with the NSW Cup being put on hold for a fortnight.

"Townson is always a tough place to go and play. I genuinely think Souths will be up for the fight and our boys will as well."

The Pickers continued on their winning way with a 34-6 win against Kurri Kurri at Kurri on Sunday in a catch-up game following Saturday's representative game between the Newcastle Rebels and Canberra.

Pickers skipper Alex Langbridge is the only injury concern to emerge from the Kurri game. He sufferred a dislocated finger with a possible fracture involved and will face a fitness call at training on Thursday.

The win gives the Pickers outright lead on the ladder, two points clear of Central.

After conceding the first try the Pickers scored 34 unanswered points, including a double to winger Perry Le Brocque.

"I thought we were a little off the pace a bit. I was disappointed in our start and a period of our second half," Lantry said

"We missed some opportunities through poor execution, but credit to our opposition I thought their start they out enthused us and they were disciplined with the ball and without and didn't give us much.

"It was the same in the second half, Kurri completed at 85 per cent in the second half and we were at 55.

"We turned over too much ball and gave the too many opportunities, but on the flip side of that we were pleased with the defensive effort only leaking six points again and that try came off a kick.

Lantry was delighted with his four rep players - Jayden Butterfield, James Taylor, James Bradley and Matt Soper-Lawler - in backing up, in particular Butterfield who played 60 minutes straight for the Rebels and a further 60 minutes on Sunday.

"I thought it was a great effort by Butts in particular, but all four boys." he said.