Hunter Rugby Union: Paul Dan blows time out on refereeing to help Hawks

Indeed, Dan was enjoying the next phase in his rugby career.

But the plucky 36-year-old couldn't help but say yes when he received an SOS from Hamilton to return to the playing ranks.

Dan will start in the No.9 jumper for a second straight game when the Hawks host Nelson Bay on Saturday.

"I have a young family and wanted to get my weekends back so I started refereeing,' Dan said. "I know better now from my experience with the referees how seriously they take their role and more importantly how well they prepare. It's a tough job and it would be great if we as players turned around when we finish playing and get involved.

"With our club, you are never far from it. They were short on players and when halfback Zac Sykes got injured they asked if I could help. I am enjoying it more than ever. I spent heaps of time in my 20s injured playing down in Sydney. I finally got surgery to free up my hamstring in 2017 and I'm pain free. I feel more healthier now than in my 20s."

Dan played with the Hunter Wildfires last season.

"I loved it and I hope everyone gets around it," he said. "It was such a good program."

He will line up against three former Wildfires teammate on Saturday in Chad Northcott, Adam Edwards and Charles Fielder.

"The three of them are epic players," Dan said. "We certainly won't be taking them lightly."

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Hamilton beat Singleton 34-25 last round to end a three-game losing run.

"We are starting to get a bit more cohesion and understand what Marty wants from us," Dan said. "Marty is a gun coach. Hopefully we start to see some progress."

Nelson Bay were hammered 55-7 by Merewether.

Coach Mike Wiringi has moved Chad Northcott from fullback to fly-half to free up Angus Crockett.

"Angus is only young and has played a lot more touch and league than he has rugby," Wiringi said. "Hopefully he will benefit from a bit more time and space.

"There is a fair bit of motivation. No-one likes to get dusted up like that.:

Elsewhere Saturday, Marcus Christensen will play his 200^th games for Wanderers when the Two Blues host University, Merewether will be out to make seven wins straight when they welcome Southern Beaches to Townson Oval and Lake Macquarie tackle Singleton at Walters Park.

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