The win opens a 4-point gap between Wests and Macquarie with four rounds of the regular season to play.

It seems second place is the best the Toronto-based team can hope for.

Wests dominated on Sunday, scoring six tries to two, and firming as premiership favourites in the process.

Wests now look like winning the minor premiership for the fourth time in five seasons.

The only match they have lost so far this season was to Macquarie in the first round.

Scorpions coach Adam Bettridge has set his sights on Macquarie securing a qualifying semi-final at Toronto.

“Everyone in Newcastle knows they [Wests] are the benchmark and anyone who doesn’t is kidding themselves,” Bettridge said. 

“They are a quality side. I can’t see them losing another game this season.

“Our job now is to regroup, learn our lessons, and secure second position, which gives us a home semi-final.” ​

Bettridge said despite losing by 20 points, his team showed enough to prove they can topple the front-runners if the teams meet again in this year’s finals series.

“We made far too many errors to win the game but we also showed enough in that first half for me to be confident we can turn the tables on them in the semi-finals,” Bettridge said.

“We just have to cut down on our mistakes and we can beat anyone in this competition. 

“This was only our third loss for the season and we are still entrenched in second spot on the ladder but the next four games will be very important for us to ensure that we take that second spot and guarantee a home semi-final in September.”

Wests scored one try from a charge-down, and another 80-metre effort from a Macquarie dropped ball, while the Scorpions created plenty of scoring opportunities in the first half.

Macquarie will host Cessnock at Toronto this Saturday from 3pm.