Matthew Craig reckons one of his most memorable moments at Lakes was a game he didn't even play in.
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Approaching his 100th first grade appearance for the Seagulls, the 26-year-old winger recalls an upset win over then competition leaders Western Suburbs at Harker Oval.
It came midway through Lakes' 2015 premiership campaign and Craig joined a host of other regulars on the sidelines after he was concussed during the captain's run just 24 hours earlier.
"Outside that big one [2015 grand final] my favourite game at Lakes was one I didn't even play in," Craig told the Newcastle Herald.
"I'd jumped up for a ball during the captain's run the day before, got knocked out and broke my nose.
"That meant almost our entire backline was out, plus a couple of forwards, and we were playing Wests at Harker.
"A lot of guys were on debut and other guys backed up from reserve grade and managed to get the win.
"It was unbelievable and even though I wasn't out there it's definitely one of my highlights."
Craig, who is studying sport science at the University of Newcastle, avoided injury on Friday mowing lawns for his mother on the Central Coast.
He played juniors for the Budgewoi Bulldogs before stepping up to the senior ranks with the Wyong Roos in 2012.
After initially linking with the Knights under 20s, Craig signed for Lakes in 2013 and has been with the Belmont club ever since.
"We've had a good run overall and I've been pretty lucky to play with some talented blokes inside me who make my simple job a lot easier," he said.
Last year's grand finalists, now one win outside the top five, clash with Kurri Kurri at Cahill Oval on Sunday.
The visiting Bulldogs are buoyed by the return of Jordan Mitchell from injury but are without the services of suspended pair Jarred Anderson and Reid Alchin.
Also in round 11 on Sunday and Central Newcastle welcome to St John Oval frontrunners Wests, who will have fullback Sam Keenan (ankle) undergo a fitness test on game eve.
Saturday sees Maitland minus Cooper Jenkins, who is away at the under-18 Australian Schoolboys carnival, when the Pickers travel to meet second-placed South Newcastle at Townson Oval and look to bounce back from last weekend's 34 unanswered points.
Former NRL player Paul Carter shifts to five-eighth for the Goannas in the absence of suspended pivot Scott Briggs as they host Macquarie at Cessnock Sportsground on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Cessnock forward Dan Metcalf was found guilty at the Newcastle RL judiciary on Thursday night but had his high tackle charge downgraded to medium level meaning he will serve a three-match ban.
