Macquarie has jumped to second in the Real NRL thanks to a two point win over Souths.
The Butcher Boys leapfrogged Maitland into fourth, Cessnock took fifth with a win over Wests.
The defending champion’s didn’t look like themselves early on, bombing two tries close to Cessnock’s line.
In contrast, the Goannas looked sharp in attack, Chris Adams set up Kori Barber.
Returning from suspension, Riley Brown had a hand in the next try, teeing up Jacob McKendry.
Brown then combined with Greg White .. his kick fell kindly for Chris Pyne, as Cessnock moved back into finals contention.
NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE
Round 16
MACQUARIE 26 – SOUTHS 24
CENTRAL NEWCASTLE 23 – MAITLAND 22
CESSNOCK 22 – WESTS 6