Couldn't be prouder': Cunningham praises injury-hit Blacks' fighting spirit

Maitland Blacks coach Luke Cunningham said he “couldn’t be prouder” after his young, inexperienced side beat University 30-24 at Marcellin Park on Saturday. Speaking on Sunday, Cunningham highlighted the challenge posed by University, noting several of its players were in the Wildfires group, and he credited Maitland’s injury-struck squad with delivering a performance against the third-placed team. The result extended Maitland’s lead slightly over a Uni side that had been only a couple of points behind, giving the Blacks breathing space before a difficult three-week stretch. Maitland host undefeated Merewether next Saturday at Townson Oval, with flyhalf Hare Meihana returning, while other premiership players remain sidelined. Dane Corben captained in Meihana’s absence, contributing a kicking haul of two conversions and two penalty goals, alongside tries by Rhys Robinson, Mick Taylor, and Leonardo Semenzato.