South West Rocks defeat Lake Cathie Raiders 40-10 in Hastings League

The day saw Brisbane Broncos captain Alex Glenn in the stands as well as local Mason Powick who has returned home after a car accident saw him spend time at Royal Rehab Ryde.

Powick was training with the Marlins before his accident.

South West Rocks started the game sensationally but coach Alfie Drew said there's still improvements to be made.

"It was great to have a big win like that but there's still a lot of lessons to take as well," he told the Argus.

"We scored 34 points within the first 20-25 minutes then we didn't score another try until the second half so it's great to get a win like that but you look at it and think we could have put on a lot more points."

Drew was full of praise for his middle forwards.

"Those try-scorers don't get there unless some of our middle men do the hard yards," he said.

"Our best on the weekend was Jimmy Evans, he was absolutely outstanding.

"The speed he was playing at and the amount of work he got through in the middle of the field was phenomenal.

"There was a few sets where he was taking two or three hit ups in the one set, his work rate and attitude in all areas of the field were second to none."

Drew explained their fast start came from the platform laid by his forwards, allowing the backs to do their work.

"Those fast starts came down to completion, sticking to our game plan and just simply rolling forward and getting into a rhythm," he added.

"With the backs we have, especially with Stephan Blair back, once we get into a rhythm it's going to be hard to stop us from getting points."

Blair made his first appearance in a 2021 Marlins jersey against the Lower Macleay Magpies in their 18-12 win.

The utility has made the fullback spot his own in two appearances.

"It's a really big bonus for us," Drew said.

The Marlins now move onto Long Flat in Long Flat with this weekend potentially having a big say on the Hastings League table.

Currently, Kendall Blues, the Magpies and Marlins all sit on 14 points, occupying equal third.

Long Flat are one point ahead in second.

The Blues will have a tough task ahead this weekend, playing first placed Beechwood in Beechwood while the Magpies play last placed Harrington at Smithtown Oval.

"This weekend is massive for us, it comes down to attitude in defence because we know we can score points from anywhere on the paddock and that showed last weekend," Drew explained.

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