The Denton Engineering Cup will field 11 teams in 2023 following a recommendation from local stakeholders that expansion club the Northern Hawks be included in the competition.
The recommendation was today endorsed by the NSWRL Board and follows a report from data and analytics group Gemba into a strategic review of Rugby League competitions and pathways in the region.
That was followed by a consultation process involving the Newcastle Rugby League, the Central Coast Rugby League, representatives from all clubs in the Denton Engineering Cup and NSWRL officials.
Newcastle Rugby League chairman John Crooks said the addition of a new team was fantastic news for the region.
“This decision will provide a pathway for the juniors playing Rugby League in that area to play at the highest level they possibly can,” Crooks said.
“The Hawks are a new club who have been playing reserve grade and Under 19s for the past three years and they will add to the strength and quality of the game in Newcastle.”
NSWRL Northern Corridor Zone Manager Dean Bosnich said: “Congratulations to the Hawks on creating their club and putting a proposal together for inclusion in the Denton Engineering Cup.
“The consultation process was extensive for all stakeholders and included a recommendation from the clubs. We now are looking forward to a successful 2023 season.”
The Denton Engineering Cup already includes the Maitland Pickers, Central Newcastle Butcher Boys, Macquarie Scorpions, Cessnock Goannas, South Newcastle Lions, Wyong Roos, The Entrance Tigers, Lakes United Seagulls, Western Suburbs Newcastle Rosellas and Kurri Kurri Bulldogs.
The Pickers were convincing winners over the Scorpions in this year’s Grand Final and then had the distinction of going on to win the Presidents Cup on NSWRL Grand Final Day and lay claim to being the best semi-professional club in the state.
