Pride trial pivotal to Blackhawks’ captain call

TOWNSVILLE Blackhawks coach Kristian Woolf will wait until the eleventh hour to appoint a new captain as they prepare to welcome a number of fringe Cowboys for the Queensland Cup season.

Prop Michael Beasley’s de- parture to play in France has left the captaincy role open and Saturday’s trial against a Todd Carney-inspired Northern Pride at Jack Manski Oval will be pivotal in Woolf’s decision.

“That (captaincy) is something we’ll decide once we get through the trials,” Woolf said.

“We want to see who leads by example and a couple of blokes really stuck their hand up (in Saturday’s 40-8 win over Central Capras in Mackay).

“Through the pre-season those guys have shown they’re going to be the leaders in the group, but I want to make sure I get that decision 100 per cent right.”

Woolf faces a welcome dilemma, with a handful of Cowboys players set to bolster his squad.

“I’d expect guys who have come through our club like Corey Jensen if he’s not playing first grade, Francis Molo, Carlin Anderson, those guys who have progressed through us will certainly come back,” Woolf said.

The Blackhawks will play two matches against the Pride, with some players from the first to feature in the main match.

Woolf said the presence of big-name players like Carney in the competition would only enhance its profile.

“It’s great to have guys like Todd Carney in the competition,” Woolf said.

“They certainly bring some interest and profile.

“Not only are they good for those teams, but for the spectators they bring to games and how it’s viewed as the secondbest competition in Australia.”