Denton Engineering Cup: The Entrance Tigers take on heavyweights in huge fortnight

After a strong start to 2024, The Entrance is looking down the barrel of two blockbuster games that could define its season in the Denton Cup.

The Entrance Tigers are set for a big fortnight in the Denton Cup. Picture: Sue Graham

Five rounds into the Denton Engineering Cup, The Entrance has emerged as one of the most impressive teams so far.

With a record of three wins and one loss from their four games, the Tigers sit in third place, just one point behind competition leaders Cessnock.

They grabbed plenty of headlines last weekend when the team ran riot against Kurri Kurri, smashing the Bulldogs 62-10 for the club’s biggest ever win in the Newcastle Rugby League since joining in 2021.

“Putting on points is something we’re pretty confident we know can happen but I was probably more impressed with our respect for the football,” said coach Jamy Forbes.

“The fact that we didn’t force too many offloads was good. We still had a few unnecessary mistakes but at the end of the day we don’t want to be coaching robots, so it’s a fine line trying to get that right and we’re getting there. I think the boys are starting to believe in that and the proof was obviously in the pudding with the scoreline.”

The Tigers have made a strong start to the season. Picture: Sue Graham

While the team finished fifth last season and made it through to the second round of the finals, the signing of former NRL and Super League playmaker Blake Austin, as well as the return of David Fifita after a short stint last season, has added an extra edge to the Tigers in 2024, with the team’s only loss coming in the 20-12 loss to Wests in round four.

“I’m very happy,” said Forbes. “The one loss, we just showed no respect for the ball. And that’s not taking anything away from Wests because they had four good players out, we had five good players out, so it kind of evened itself out.

“But all in all, considering the pre-season disruptions, the late start to the competition and the lack of trials, I’m reasonably happy with where we’re sitting.”

But despite the strong start, Forbes knows the team’s biggest challenge lies ahead of them.

David Fifita has strengthened the Tigers’ squad this season. Picture: Sue Graham

Following this weekend’s bye for the annual City-Country clash, The Entrance will take on last year’s beaten grand finalists South Newcastle and the back-to-back premiers and three-time Presidents Cup champions Maitland Pickers at home in a blockbuster fortnight that will show the Tigers just how close they are to the top.

“It’s going to be a great test, we’re excited,” he said. “We’ve got the week off, and we probably could have done with a bit more continuity just for match fitness more than anything. But all in all I’m really excited for the next fortnight after this break.”

After suffering a string of injuries during the opening rounds, the team welcomed back injured trio Grant Nelson, Brendan O’Hagan and Tony Pellow for the big win over Kurri. And although fullback Pellow will miss the clash with the Pickers due to work commitments, Forbes is confident that he has enough quality in the club to keep the momentum going.

“We’ve got so much capable back-up at the moment. The club’s in such a good position. I know our local first grade side has had a bit of disruption with the comp being off so much, but a lot of their players are putting pressure on the Denton Cup guys and that’s exactly what the club wanted and exactly what we need if we’re going to be strong in both competitions.”

Indeed, it has been a great start to the season for the club in general. Four of the seven Tigers teams playing across both the Newcastle and Central Coast competitions are still undefeated, with The Entrance holding an overall record of 12 wins and four losses so far in 2024.