Northern Hawks player of the year Timanu Alexander has been named in the 26-man Newcastle Rebels representative team squad announced by coach Garth Brennan.

I’m confident we’re taking the steps to build the culture and the pathway what it takes to build a sustainable, successful club.

The Northern Hawks have been able to maintain the key core of their playing group including 2023 player of the year Timanu Alexander.

In 2022 the Northern Hawks successfully applied to Mental Health Sports Fund Program for grant funding for its “Hawks Talk” initiative

Sure, the Port Stephens club didn’t set the world on fire, with just two wins under its belt, but it served notice that further triumphs would be celebrated sooner rather than later.

Port Stephens’ historic entry into the Denton Engineering Cup in 2023, the Northern Hawks, isn’t there to make up the numbers.

That’s the sentiment of tough second-rower Josh Toole, as the Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL) organisation prepares to make its debut in the much-heralded first grade competition next month.

The Northern Hawks after winning the Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League reserve grade crown this season

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.