Adamson's boys eyeing off a third place finish

Hawks' coach Phil Adamson said he expected the Pirates to come out strong after winning a number of games on the trot, but ill-discipline and unforced errors was what really cost his side in the first half.

"We didn't help the cause by turning the ball over in our half and giving away stupid penalties," he said.

"I had a bit of a yarn to them at half-time and luckily they turned it around."

New recruit Adrian Davis was instrumental in getting things back on track for the Hawks, with the halfback pulling off two 40/20 kicks that really helped swing the momentum of the game.

Down 24-10 with 20 minutes to go, Forster Tuncurry scored a flurry of late points to take a narrow 24-32 win.

Adamson acknowledged several of his men had strong individual performances - including Chris Coulton, Corey Eason and first-grade debutante Bill Ryder - but the players didn't really gel as a team.

With their last home game looming this weekend against the Port Sharks (who sit just two points shy of the Hawks on the ladder), the team is well aware they need to put on a strong performance.

"It's a crucial game," Adamson admitted.

He believed simple tactics like controlling the ball and cutting down on errors would see his team beat the enthusiastic young Sharks' side and continue their strong run home.

"We're gaining some momentum," he said.

"We've got Wauchope in our sites."

Adamson said ultimately they were aiming to knock Wauchope down a rung on the ladder and finish the season-proper in third, which would give them two bites at the cherry come semi-final time.

With their last game of the season against Wauchope at Wauchope, it will be a good test to see if they're worthy of the position.

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The Hawks' reserve grade team had a 36-6 victory at Old Bar, which saw them wrap up second position on the ladder with two games remaining.

The Port Sharks' reserve grade team are coming off three impressive wins and will be looking to make a statement in their push for the finals.

The Hawks' Ladies League Tag team had a 22-8 win against Old Bar and also sit safe in second position.

Unfortunately, the Hawk's U18s finals' aspirations came to an end after a 28-6 loss.

There is still plenty to play for with only two games remaining, as a number of players will be looking to build for a stronger season next year and push for first crack at positions when the pre-season rolls around.

Off the back of NAIDOC week, this coming Sunday the Hawks will celebrate and acknowledge the contributions from Indigenous players and volunteers over the history of the club, and rugby league as a whole, by hosting their annual Close The Gap round at their last regular season home game.

This round will also raise awareness for the Close the Gap Campaign, that aims to close the health and life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.

All four grades will be wearing a new Indigenous strip that is proudly sponsored by Tobwabba Aboriginal Medical Service.

Hawks' player Des Donnelly is excited about representing his heritage.

"As a Worimi man it makes me feel proud to be part of the community coming together as one," he said.

"When I run onto the field with my mates it shows everyone how we should be able to work and bond as one no matter what colour or race we are.

"I wear the green and gold colours with pride. To wear a traditional aboriginal shirt with my team mates just takes that pride to a higher level."

The Hawks are expecting a big crowd to celebrate Indigenous round.

Come out and cheer on the green and gold with league tag at 11:30am and first grade the last of four matches at 3pm.

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