Hawks start 2026 season at home against Panthers

TEA GARDENS Hawks played their first game of the 2026 season at home, facing off against the Mallabula Panthers at Myall Park on Saturday 11 April. 

Both sides came out of the gate energetically, heralding a see-sawing battle of stamina.

Mallabula scored the game’s first try within five minutes, but the Hawks struck back against the strong defence.

Ryan Saunders embodied pure determination to score for the Hawks, followed by an Isaac Mitchell conversion.

Five minutes later, Mallabula hopped around the Hawks defenders to score their second near the posts for an easy conversion.

Several fairly brutal tackles and a series of infractions and play-stops killed momentum before the Hawks finally got the ball out.

They were 20 metres from their line when an intercept by Mallabula took it back to halfway.

A concerted Hawks’ effort led to James Sinclair finding a break up the left wing and scoring close to the posts.

Another successful conversion by Mitchell put the Hawks back in front.

The momentum was soon lost, with Mallabula scoring from the left wing and converting to re-take the lead.

Mallabula’s defence buckled trying to stop Ryan Saunders crossing near the posts, with James Sinclair bringing it around from the wing to even the score.

The second half started with Mallabula taking quick possession and scoring next to the posts and converting.

The visitors dominated the second half, keeping the ball near their line.

The Hawks managed one more try from the hands of Anthony “Mini” Cameron, playing his 100th game in the green and red.

Late game injuries on both sides and a series of interceptions, denied the Hawks further scoring opportunities, with  Mallabula planting another under the uprights to take the win 34-20.

In acknowledging Cameron’s 100th game since 2011, the club described him as “a true clubman, bringing dedication, toughness, and team spirit every time he takes the field”.

By Thomas O’KEEFE