About Us
Who are the Northern Hawks
The Northern Hawks Rugby League Club is an inclusive club that represents the Port Stephens and North Newcastle in the Newcastle District Rugby League competition. We have a strong Indigenous heritage and provide a safe place in which our members come together to be the best they can be – as players and as people. We provide players resident in Port Stephens and North Newcastle the opportunity to represent their district at all levels and provide a safe place for local Indigenous players to compete together week-in, week-out at the highest level in the Hunter region.
Our Captain-Coach
Brad Tighe
171 game NRL veteran Brad Tighe has been a driving force behind the success of the Northern Hawks since taking on the role of captain-coach shortly after the club’s formation in 2021. In our inaugural year, Brad coached the Hawks senior team to a Minor Premiership, debuting 24 players under age 22 in the process. Despite 13 players from the successful 2021 team moving to other clubs after the Northern Hawks’ First Grade application for 2022 was denied by the NSWRL, Brad and teammate Tyler Randell took on the task of passing on their knowledge to the committed mix of Hawks local juniors and Indigenous players to re-mould a successful team for the 2022 season.
After a slow start to the season, the Northern Hawks senior team roared into life in Round 9, winning its following 13 matches straight - including a 20-nil win against Wests Newcastle in the Reserve Grade Grand Final.
Brad is committed to player development and creating opportunities for people who are willing work for them. He is extremely proud to have contributed so heavily to bring high level rugby league back to the Port Stephens, North Newcastle and local Aboriginal communities.
Tyler Randell
Tyler Randell
Tyler Randell is an 86 game NRL/Super League veteran who joined the club in 2022. He and Brad Tighe took on the task of passing on their knowledge to the committed mix of Hawks local juniors and Indigenous players to mould a successful team for the 2022 season.
The Northern Hawks home ground is Tomaree No. 1 Sportsground at Nelson Bay. Tomaree No. 1 Sportsground meets all Newcastle Rugby League field standards and requirements. Training is conducted at Lakeside Sports Complex.