MILESTONES have been reached by three Tea Gardens Hawks senior men’s players, all in the thrilling lead-up to the impending finals season.

Luke Perry and Ethan Tito both reached 50 games for the Tea Gardens Hawks seniors on 13 July, not counting a host of games in juniors each, as well as with other clubs throughout their long and varied careers.

Luke has played more than 150 games in total, having started with the Myall River Hawks U-11s team, where club icon ‘Cycs’ bought him his first pair of boots.

“In the U-15s, I was just thirteen, and the coach wouldn’t put me on because I was too short,” Luke told NOTA.

Eventually, however, he got a chance to prove himself on the field, and could not be ignored thereafter.

“Tea Gardens Hawks is where I want to be, my family is here – kids, uncle, cousins, mates.”

Luke has also played for Raymond Terrace, Karuah, and Cessnock, and in his seniors career he has made teams in all grades A through D, and also coaches his son’s Myall River U-11s.

Ethan Tito also hit 50 games on 13 July, a long way from his starting-out days in Muswellbrook, where he played in the U-7s all the way up to U-18s.

“I love it, was born into it, my whole family plays and loves rugby league,” Ethan explained.

“The game is great to meet mates and maintain physicality.”

Making typically 40-50 tackles per game, Ethan would know about the physical side of the sport, as he has always played as a hooker and dummy-half.

“Fifty games is a milestone for one club; last year was the highlight: getting into the Grand Final from having the wooden spoon a year or two before, and I would like to see the Club go to A- or B-Grade one day soon.”

“Stick with it, stay together as a unit, you’ll get the result,” Ethan affirmed.

Paul Mascord reached his 150th seniors’ game last weekend, 3 August, during the ‘Back to the Nest’ sponsors day at Myall Park.

Paul has been with the Hawks for a few years, but also played for many clubs in and around Newcastle in the past.

“I’m just a glutton for punishment, but would recommend it to others,” Paul said.

“Enjoy the game, do it to stay fit, have fun with mates.”

All three and their team are in good stead to enter the finals this year, with the Hawks sitting at fourth on the ladder two weeks out.

By Thomas O’KEEFE