The veteran forward is set to notch up his 150^th first-grade game for the Goannas, who host South Newcastle at Cessnock Sportsground on Saturday.

Hlad had considered retirement after the 2016 season when he dislocated his elbow late in the season, however, he was coaxed back and no one is more pleased than 2018 Goannas coach Al Lantry.

Hlad has been in outstanding form, instrumental in the Goannas win against Wests and trying to lift the team in round four’s loss to Lakes United.

The Goannas had planned to start Hlad from the bench but with front-row partnering Kurt Warden and Alex Mammone sidelined with suspension and injury, Hlad has been the club’s leading forward and most consistent player.

“Against Lakes, he took matters into his own hands last week. He doesn’t do anything special he just runs the ball with purpose,” Lantry said.

“The try he scored there wasn’t anything brilliant at all it was him running the ball with purpose, holding the ball with two hands. It was just a strong run.

“In games like that when tiredness steps in that’s when Brendan steps up. “

This milestone earns Hlad life membership at Cessnock and he joins an illustrious list of Goannas players, not only on the honour roll but also at the club’s website.

Cessnock old boy, committee member and gate attendant Col Bradley has spent the last 12 months digitalising the hard-copy information formally kept by the late Brian Davey.

The Excel spreadsheets feature individual records from 1930 to 2015 and on Sunday night were successfully uploaded with the help of son and former Goannas halfback Kane Bradley. 

“Now anyone can get on and see how many games they’ve played or points they’ve scored,” Kane said.  

Cessnock finally have some good selection news with giant forward Kurt Warden returning from suspension for Saturday's home clash against South Newcastle.

The Goannas are also waiting on fitness tests for Jacob McKendry and Kori Barber and are hopeful they along with Harry O’Brien and Joe Woodberry will all be available for selection.

However, halfback Riley Brown is likely to have an extended break on the sidelines with a shoulder injury, joining captain-coach Al Lantry and Warden’s front-rower Alex Mammone who have not played since the opening round loss to Maitland.

The Goannas have had a cruel run with injuries and suspension, but apart from their 20-6 win against West at Harker Oval have not delivered on the potential which had many pundits tipping them as genunine premiership contenders on the back of recruiting NRL experienced players Paul Carter and Chanel Mata’utia along with Brown and Mammone.

“The losses at home when we were in the games against Kurri and Lakes really hurt and we owe our fans a win at home this week,” Lantry said.

Against Lakes we started that little bit slow and then come good, but the injuries got us with having only big fellas out there in the middle. When (Daniel) Peak and that came on they were just too quick around the ruck.

“It’s a bit disappointing as we did the same with Kurri. It’s two games that we should have won but let go.

“We need to learn to close out games or keep going.

“I’d say it’s more mental attitude than anything. I think it was especially the case against Kurri when we came back and had them at 16-10.

“We had them on the ropes and then dropped the ball and mentally switched off and Kurri went 90 metres and scored.

“I’ve spoken to the boys about not relying on others to do the work. It’s a team game and everyone needs to step up and do their bit and support their teammates.”

Kick-off will be the slightly later time of 4:30pm with the Knights, featuring Goannas pair Joe Bromage and Brayden Musgrave, playing Jersey Flegg (under 20s) against St George Illawarra at the same venue beforehand from 3pm.