Forster-Tuncurry Hawks and Port Macquarie Sharks clash in Group 3 rugby league action

With fourth spot on the line, the Sharks finished with two on the bench before the Hawks scored two late tries to blow the scoreline out.

Sharks coach Ben Kirkland lamented poor discipline that saw his side piggyback the Hawks out of their own end at various stages throughout the contest.

"Fifth tackle penalties absolutely killed us, but they were better than us," he said.

"We've got ill-discipline with the ref and with the football because we don't respect the footy enough even though I encourage them to throw it around a bit.

"When that happens you're going to make some errors."

The result now means Port Macquarie must beat Wingham and then hope Old Bar can upset Port City in the final round to extend their season into August.

"Where there's a glimmer of hope there's always a chance; we won't be talking about losing because if we lose next week then we definitely won't be playing in the finals," Kirkland said.

"We'll turn up to training and do a few different things next weekend; we'll throw caution to the wind and see what happens."

Port Macquarie lost halfback Joey Cudmore to a knee injury early in the contest which disrupted their continuity although he returned later in the contest.

"He's everything for our attack and he came back on although he was on one leg," Kirkland said.

Despite the loss there are plenty of positives ahead for the Sharks with half of their squad under the age of 23.

"We're a good footy side, we know that," the coach said.

"Four of our starting pack yesterday were 23 or under and three or four of our backline are under-19 so there's a lot more of an upside for years ahead."

Should results go the way as expected and the Sharks missed the finals, the coach felt the Hawks and Port City were the "smokies".

"If we don't make it they will play each other in the first week of the finals and I wouldn't be surprised if one of them went on a bit of a run," he said.

"They've got some classy backs and a few experienced forwards."

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