Daniel Abraham sets out on long road back to play for Kurri
BY NEIL GOFFET
DANIEL Abraham started the long trek home from Mackay yesterday but will not arrive in time to play for Kurri Kurri in today's Newcastle Rugby League clash against Lakes United at Kurri Sportsground.
The premiership-winning Knights back-rower parted company with Queensland Cup club Mackay after a nine-game losing streak and signed to play for the Bulldogs.
His decision to leave was also family-related, but he will not be back in time to tackle Lakes alongside former Knights teammates Luke Quigley and Reegan Tanner.
"I'm not playing this week, but I'll be on deck next week I think," Abraham said yesterday.
"I've just started driving home and I'm only at Rockhampton at the moment, so I could be a while.
"I'll just keep driving and see what time I get home, should be tomorrow some time."
The Bulldogs climbed to fourth on the ladder when they defeated Macquarie 28-14 last Saturday, their fifth win from 10 matches, but Abraham said he knew little of their plight this season.
"You don't get a whole lot of Newcastle league news in Mackay," Abraham laughed.
"I don't really know too much about what's been going on, but I'm sure Quigs and the boys will fill me in when I get there."
Kurri defeated Lakes 30-0 in the first game of the season at Cahill Oval, but the Seagulls were last-start winners, 30-28, against Nelson Bay and will be desperate to get off the bottom of the ladder.
Knights second-rower Cory Paterson was part of the Seagulls win but did not finish the game due to a shoulder injury.
Knights coach Brian Smith said this week that Paterson was a chance to be named for Newcastle against South Sydney on Monday night, but he has not been named for the Knights or Lakes.
Maitland and Nelson Bay share fifth place on the ladder with Western Suburbs and Macquarie, and they do battle today at Maitland Sportsground.
Knights forward Sione Tovo was not named in the Maitland team earlier in the week, but coach Noel Dent was hopeful he would play.
Pressure is mounting on Macquarie, who have won one of their past seven games, and they play in-form Wyong tomorrow at Peacock Field. The Roos beat then competition leaders Central Charlestown 34-6 at St John Oval last Sunday.
In today's other matches, Central play South at Townson Oval and West host Cessnock at Harker Oval.
Herald
