The Hawks were beaten last Sunday by the Kotara Bears.

Leading 16 points to eight midway through the second half, the Hawks let in four tries in 10 minutes, to give Kotara a 28 points to 16 lead.

A try and conversion by Luke Worth with three minutes to go bought the score to 28 to 22, but the Bears managed to hold the Hawks out in a tight finish.

Going into the game with several players unavailable, the Hawks fielded a makeshift backline.

A shortage of backs on the bench saw forwards playing in the backline on several occasions and the Bears capitalised on the situation, scoring all their points out wide.

Further disrupting the team was a serious injury to hooker Ben Burgess in the opening minutes.

After he suffered a heavy head knock the Hawks training staff took the precaution of calling an ambulance in case of a neck injury.

Play was held up for 20 minutes while Burgess was treated.

He has since been diagnosed with concussio.

In more positive news, the Hawks were lead from the front by second rower Trent Murphy, who played his best game in recent memory.

Lock Luke Worth was exceptional in defence and attack while starting five eighth Paul Chapman was a standout.

Playing only his third game of the year he gave an impressive display in an otherwise disjointed backline.

An injury to halfback Lloyd Edwards saw Chapman move to halfback midway through the match.

"That's his position while ever he wants it," was the club's quote.

Second rower Rob Leslie also had a strong game.

Playing with an injury for the entire second half, he gave 100 per cent and finished the game.

Best in defence was Luke Worth in the Hawks Nest First Real Estate number 13 jumper.

Best in attack was Trent Murphy in the Myall Automotive and Tyres number 12 jumper. Murphy also won the Supporters and Players Player awards.

Referee's Best and Fairest went to Paul Chapman in the Tea Gardens Fresh Seafood number six jumper.

He also won the encouragement (rookie of the year) award sponsored by Mumm's on the Myall. Next week the Hawks travel to Stroud to play the Raiders in a Saturday night match.

The game starts at 5pm. A Hawks supporter's bus will leave the hotel at 3pm. The team will struggle this week with as many as 12 players unavailable due to injury and other commitments.