At this stage the Hawks will be elevated to A Grade, as Newcastle rugby league has reintroduced an open grade competition, which is expected to drain players from second division.

Consequently, a three grade competition may be formed.

For the Hawks, Brooke Roach will follow up a successful 2009 season as player/coach club captain.

At a presentation of the 2009 player awards earlier this year, the Graham Haywood Memorial Player of the Year trophy went to Trent Murphy who also took home the players’ player award.

Murphy will back up with the club for the ninth year, in 2010.

Tyson Jolly was awarded with best back, while Matt Browne won best forward.

Brooke Roach received best and fairest and the coach’s award went to Jason Purdon.

Josh Fidden took out Rookie of the year, with the president’s award going to Clayton Bloomfield.

Club fundraiser

PLAYERS, family and friends attended the Hawks Rugby League Club Christmas party at Raymond Terrace Strike Zone Bowling Alley on the weekend.

The party was also part of a fundraising effort for one of the club's most respected players, Jason Purdon whose partner Tracey Johns was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident. After attending the 2009 presentation in Tea Gardens, the family was travelling back to the far North Coast when the accident occurred.

A fund has been set up to assist the family.

Donations can be made at the Greater Building Society, account no. 717382242.