But this weekend’s game against the Hamilton Hawks will be the real test according to Maitland coach Steve Scobie.

Although confident in the ability of his side, Scobie is under no illusions as to why they have maintained a run of successful results.

“We have not played the top teams yet. After this weekend we will know where we stand,” Scobie said.

While he could only specify a general game plan, the Blacks coach said there was no denying where the Hawks drawcard was kept.

“The real challenge is shutting down their fleet-of-foot backs. And we have been working hard on our defence,” he said.

The Hawks back line has proven to be the downfall of other Premier first division teams, but will come up against equal pace in Jono O’Toole and Christian Punch.

The Blacks forward pack has been dominant throughout the competition, but Scobie is welcoming the challenge that will reveal where they really stand.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how our forward pack has improved, Hamilton have a really skilled back row and a really big second row.” he said.

After admitting his forwards had been weak in the first two games of the season, Scobie commended their defence, saying it was amongst the strongest in the competition.

The Blacks will travel to the home of Hamilton rugby, Passmore Oval, for the match, giving Hamilton an advantage that could prove the difference in this second meets fourth encounter.

The Hawks have lost just one game to the Black’s two this season, and were touted as a definite starter for the finals this year.

In other round eight Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union fixtures Merewether Carlton will host Singleton, Wanderers are at home against Southern Beaches, Easts face University on the road and Nelson Bay are away against Lake Macquarie.

Blacks: Ben Emmett, Dan Runchell, Luke Perkins, Pete Hodgson, Dan Leadley, Jono Wotton, Rob Auer, Mick Hickling, Luke Cunningham, Joe Lavis, Tim Gibbs, Adam Perkins (captain), Sam Ralph, Christian Punch, Jono O'Toole.