WESTS SCORE 36 POINTS IN SECOND HALF TO TAKE DOWN PICKERS

Returning to league and in the Newcastle competition, Souths have edged out Central in round 11, while Wests survived a scare against Maitland at Harker Oval.

The Rosellas established an early lead, but the Pickers hit back with a simple try to Zebastian Luisi.

He was involved again as Maitland hit the front for the first time.

When prop Brenton Horwood eased through the Rosellas’ goal line defence, the Pickers led 16-6 at the break.

Wests coach Steve Storrie must have delivered an impressive half time speech, as the home side responded in emphatic fashion.

Jermaine Ale appeared to knock on, but Willis Alatini was awarded the try.

When Mark Taufua scored, Wests were well and truly back on top, piling on 36 unanswered second half points.