The injury to Dumbrell’s left ankle happened against the Waratahs last week and Hawks president Craig Higgins described it as a “massive loss”.

“Players like that, they don’t come along every day,” Higgins said.

“He’s probably one of the best footballers I’ve seen out here.

“He’s such a good organiser and talker.

“He’s going to be a huge loss but I guess, in a way, instead of the boys waiting for him to do something, they’re going to have to aim up themselves.”

The Hawks will start their stint without Dumbrell at home this weekend against Tullibigeal-Lakes United.

While a replacement hooker hasn’t been finalised yet, Nick Puntoriero is stepping into the captain-coaching role while Dumbrell is out.

The prop said the Hawks needed to cut out the errors heading into the match against TLU.

“Ball security mainly,” Puntoriero said when asked what the Hawks needed to improve.

“I think we completed about three sets in the second half.

“You can’t give a team like that [Waratahs] so much ball when they can score from anywhere on the field.

“I’m 100 per cent positive we can put in a better showing this weekend. I’d like to think last week will be the worst you’ll see us play all year.”

The reigning premiers are looking to snare their third win of the year after claiming two wins from two starts.

It’ll be a tough ask to overcome the red-hot Sharks but Puntoriero said Yanco-Wamoon has the team to do it.

“Lake Cargelligo are definitely not going to be easy-beats. We’ll have our job cut out for us but I’m pretty positive we have the team to match them.”