The Roosters backrower carved up the Creek early with some long-striding runs down the left edges.

He was a major reason why his Roosters led 20-nil at halftime before going on to win 46-12.

He vied with Jordan Sharpe for the man of the match, the refs electing on Sharpe in a toss-up from Hamlin, who received the two points.

Hamlin, who converted to lock and the back row from the wing as a young Wests Lions player more than a decade ago, combines pace with size, strength and football nous.

He gave the last pass for two late Jeremy Moss tries on Saturday – simple but effective catch, carry and then pass at the right time.

It was a win that left the Roosters alone at the top of the G4 Second Division table.

“Everyone played well,” Hamlin said, deflecting the personal rewards and compliments.

“We didn’t have a bad player. That’s a good thing at this time of year. 

“We’re not depending on individual performances but everyone playing good football. 

“And we are hunting as a pack. 

“The Creek play a similar game to us. Both have running games.”

Hamlin thought his big men were good.

 Dan Greenwood, Shaughan Stevenson, Tom Michell and Brendan Austin all hit the ball up strongly, got quick play-the-balls and hit strongly in defence.

Stevenson received special mention for a strong match, lifting his game for a tough assignment against the Magpies.

Stevenson had a big hand in the first try for Josh Crittenden, giving an easy last-pass offload for Crittenden to dart over and start the Rooster run.

“But we’re taking it all one game at a time,” Hamlin said.

“We have another tough one against Walcha this week.”

The Walcha game is also a big charity day for the Roosters where they will honour Ronald McDonald House.

The Roosters will wear special jerseys, to be unveiled at Ronald McDonald House this evening, and to be auctioned off after Saturday’s game at the Kootingal Hotel.

Major sponsor of the day is 360 Club Fitness.

It’s the start of a busy few weeks for the Roosters too, with their sponsors’ day the following Saturday against Dungowan Cowboys.

That day will also feature a  noon junior game between Dungowan and Kootingal as a curtain-raiser to the Peter Blom Shield Ladies League Tag game and then the Group 4 Shield clash between the Roosters and Cowboys.