Hawkins signs on for 2021

Singleton Greyhounds club secretary Leigha Gardner has described the re-signing of club coach Jake Hawkins as a ‘no brainer’.

Almost a year has passed since Hawkins was unveiled as the first-grade coach for the Bengalla Hunter Valley Group 21 rugby league outfit ahead of the 2020 season.

Though he is yet to play in an official match, Gardner believes he has ticked all the remaining boxes on and off the field.

“He has done everything required for us this year,” she told The Hunter River Times.

“With the season not going ahead it was only fair to roll over and offer the same position again.”

Hawkins, a former Melbourne Storm and Cronulla Sharks player, has gone onto to mentor the club’s under-14 line-up since the cancellation of senior rugby league.

“We think it is fantastic as we have been focussed on closing the gap between juniors and seniors,” she added.

“It not only shows his commitment to our club but to the whole Singleton football community.”

When asked about the re-signing, Hawkins continued to voice his optimism for the upcoming Group 21 season; just as he has done so for the past year.

“It is good to put pen to paper and get next year locked in,” Hawkins declared.

“Obviously, I was looking forward to this year but there were a few setbacks with Covid.

“Now we just focus on 2021 and (I can confirm that) training will commence in early December.”

Michael Kirkpatrick has also been locked in for another season as the club’s ladies’ league tag coach.

MEANWHILE the club will now accept applications are now open for a reserve grade coach as well an under-18 coach (applications close on September 25).

If interested, please send your application to surlfcinc@gmail.com.

Photo caption – Singleton Greyhounds first grade coach Jake Hawkins with vice president Luke Gardner.

Jake Hawkins’ first year as Singleton coach

September 2019 – Jake Hawkins is appointed as first grade playing coach.

December 2019 – Preseason commences at Pirtek Park.

February 2020 – Hawkins dons club colours at Hunter Valley Nines tournament.

March 2020 – Group 21 season postponed due to coronavirus pandemic.

May 2020 – Group 21 season cancelled after club vote.

June 2020 – The club enters a Newcastle based league.

July 2020 – They then cancel their participation due to Covid-19.

August 2020 – Hawkins takes on junior mentoring role.