THEY don’t breed them tougher and more resilient than legendary Newcastle Knights rugby league forward Steve Simpson.
In a decorated twelve-year career with the Knights that yielded 216 top grade appearances and a memorable NRL premiership in 2001, the durable back rower was renowned for his work ethic and ability to push through the pain barrier.
Widely respected by his sporting peers, iron man Simpson went on to also earn 13 Origin caps for the NSW Blues and eight Test matches for the Kangaroos, carving his niche as a workhorse forward.
Having now transitioned into the coaching ranks, the Newcastle Hall of Fame inductee has implemented his hard working defensive values into the Northern Hawks men’s first grade rugby league team.
Simpson has taken over the Hawks’ coaching reins for the 2026 Newcastle Rugby League Denton Engineering Cup competition that kicks off on Saturday, 11 April.
The competition launches with the third annual Magic Round, hosted for the first time at Maitland Sportsground and featuring all five opening round fixtures played on the same day.
Northern Hawks tackle Lakes United Seagulls and go into the clash brimming with confidence after an encouraging pre-season build up under the helm of former international Simpson.
Unveiling their new recruits, the Hawks first grade lineup posted a rousing 28-4 trial victory over Woy Way Roosters at the Lakeside Sporting Complex after the club’s reserve grade side toppled Ourimbah Magpies 30-6.
In a solid hit out for both squads the impressive wins highlighted Simpson’s focus on defence.
The Northern first, reserve grade and Under 19 teams showed they will be competitive this season with strong performances in final trials against Lakes United at Cahill Oval last weekend.
Both the Hawks and Seagulls square off again in the premiership pipe opener at Maitland Sportsground with Simpson set to parade a new look top grade squad.
The Hawks have been bolstered by the return of local products in powerful back rowers Ethan Campbell (Central) and Ben Roose (Cessnock) and skilful five eighth Noah Ryan, who is back in Port Stephens after a stint in Rockhampton and QRL with the Central Queensland Capras.
Simpson believes the signing of talented Kiwi prop Ofahiki Ogden and South Sydney fullback Fletcher Myers is a huge boon for the club.
Ogden, who played over 50 first grade matches with Parramatta and Canterbury in the NRL, was North Sydney’s Player of the Year last season in the NSW Cup and gives the Hawks plenty of muscle up front.
Northern Hawks club president Andrew Chapman told News Of The Area that the players had reflected coach Simpson’s values with tremendous defensive efforts during the trials.
By Chris KARAS
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