Rugby League: Wyong Roos captain-coach Mitch Williams injured during victorious Newcastle RL return; Maitland Pickers set up top-of-the-table clash with Hills Bulls in President's Cup

Williams, who left the field early in the second half, said he felt sore following the head clash but was pleased Wyong held on to post an 8-4 victory against Western Suburbs in wet conditions at Morry Breen Oval.

The Roos, who ended up hosting the round-two fixture after Harker Oval was ruled out Saturday, joined Newcastle RL last week after Central Coast District Rugby League cancelled the senior season just prior to kick-off.

"I had a head clash so I'm having scans on my cheek bone," Williams told the Newcastle Herald from hospital.

"It's a bit sore at the moment, but we'll just have to wait and see. Hopefully it's alright.

"I wasn't there for the end of it, but that's a big effort by the boys to get the win first up after only joining the competition last week."

Wyong and Wests kept each other scoreless for the opening 40 minutes.

The Roos opened their account with a penalty goal just after the break.

Williams suffered the injury shortly after.

Replacement hooker Matt Power crossed for a try midway through the second stanza and the conversion was successful to give the hosts an eight-point lead.

Rosellas winger Michael Hendry scored in the corner to reduce the margin to four.

In Saturday's encounters Souths edged out Cessnock 12-8 at Townson Oval and Central comfortably accounted for the Pickers 34-4 at Maitland Sportsground.

Recently re-signed Lions coach Andrew Ryan praised the "excellent" efforts of Harry van Dartel, who commited to play during the week, in a "very tight" affair while the Butcher Boys remain unbeaten courtesy of what coach Phil Williams described as "attitude more than anything else".

Lakes had the bye.

The statewide President's Cup arrived at Maitland for the first time on Saturday and the Pickers powered over Dubbo CYMS 28-0 to stay undefeated and set up a top-of-the-table clash with the Hills Bulls this weekend.

"It will be another challenge for us, there's no easy games in this competition," Pickers coach Matt Lantry said.

Lantry said a runaway try under the posts from captain Alex Langbridge on the brink of half-time was "crucial", giving the hosts a 10-point lead after "defending six straight sets on our own line".

"The pleasing thing was the zero on the scoreboard," he said.

Ben Ireland received a late call up after Cal Burgess (leg) withdrew from the game on Friday.

Elsewhere, following a first-round delay last weekend the Newcastle Hunter Community Rugby League competitions started on Saturday with A-grade title holders Dora Creek defeating University 24-6, Central Coast newcomers North Lakes beating Glendale 24-16 and Thornton-Beresfield overcoming West Wallsend 20-6. Maitland United had the bye.

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