Hunter Rugby union, 2022: Hamilton's five-year reign ends but coach predicts bright future for Hawks

Hamilton's five-year reign as first-grade premiers came to an end on Saturday, going down 19-7 to Merewether in the grand final.

The Hawks lost fly-half Paul Dan and breakaway Lachlan Summers to suspension before the game and then winger Harry Brett (ankle) inside two minutes.

They competed hard, but couldn't go with Merewether down the stretch.

"I thought we had most of the game but they overran us in the last 20 minutes," Berry said. "They brought on some fresh bodies and we got tired towards the end. Credit to Merewether. They beat us three out of four times."

Berry has introduced an expansive game since arriving at the Hawks in 2021.

But without Dan acting as a link man and rain making handling difficult, they were unable to execute.

"Conditions didn't suit our style of rugby so we tried to change it up a bit," Berry said. "We were held up twice over the tryline and did put some pressure on them. But they produced some desperate defence."

Dan and Summers will be back next season and they will be joined by former Hawks Raniera Petersen and Jock Armstrong.

"We have some good players coming back," Berry said. "Raniera is here and Jock Armstrong is keen for next year. The future looks good."

Steve Lamont, who was outstanding in the decider, and try-scoring prop Chris Hemi are staying on board, but powerhouse No.8 Taufa Kinikini is expected to join the Hunter Wildfires.

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