Davis, 29, has played in the Queensland Cup with Redcliffe and NSW Cup with Newcastle. Last season he played in Group 11 with Wellington, where he scored 109 points from 13 games.

The halves have been a problem area for Forster this season and Davis will give coach Phil Adamson another option as the Hawks push for a place in the top five. Davis will make his debut for the club on Sunday against Macleay Valley at Kempsey.

Meanwhile Adamson said 2019 will be 'a bit of a wasted year' unless the Hawks make the Group Three Rugby League semi-finals.

His side have been the big improvers this season after a difficult 2018. However, Adamson said it's not good enough just to be competitive.

He wants the Hawks in the mix when the semi-finals kick off the weekend of August 3 and 4.

The Hawks and Port City, both on eight points, currently hold the last two places in the top five. They're two clear of Port Macquarie with five matches remaining until the playoffs.

"We got a few blokes here this year to make sure we'd have a better season than last year,'' Adamson said.

"But finishing better than last year doesn't make it a success. We have a chance now to make the semi-finals for the first time in a couple of years and we have to make something of it, not fall away at the end.''

He said the commitment from the players has been encouraging.

"We had a good training session this week and it's all positive,'' he said.

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The Hawks had their best win over the season last Sunday when beating Port City 22-16 at Tuncurry. Port City scored the opening two tries of the game and looked set for an easy day until Forster rallied. A strong defensive effort in the second half highlighted the performance.

Adamson added the Hawks aren't happy to settle for fifth spot. They want to finish fourth and at least secure a home semi-final.

He said the Hawks can make a statement on Sunday against competition leaders Macleay Valley at Kempsey.

"It's going to be a tough trip, we know that, but we know what we have to do - starve them of possession and cut down their options,'' he added.

"If we can get a win it will give us a couple of points on the two Port clubs and that'd be handy.''

However, a shoulder injury will sideline match winning fullback Keda Moylan indefinitely.

Moylan aggravated the injury in the win over Port City.

"He's going for scans this week but it could be long term,'' Adamson said.

Corey Eason, one of Forster's best against the Breakers, switches to fullback and Adamson will promote Hayden Bolt onto the wing.