Emerging stars show worth in first trial

IT WAS the first chance the young guns of the Blackhawks had to stake their claim to an Intrust Super Cup jersey.

From what Townsville coach Aaron Payne saw he has plenty of exciting talent to work with throughout the 2020 campaign.

Payne took an inexperienced side to Bowen for their opening pre-season trial game against the Mackay Cutters.

ISC regulars Carlin Anderson and Tom Hancock played limited minutes, while the likes of Sam Hoare, Jaelen Feeney and Sione Lousi stayed in Townsville.

But in the 24-12 win, Payne was impressed by how his youthful contingent rose to the challenge. In particular, Griffin Neame.

“I thought he was really strong in the middle. He’s only a young kid and to go play against experienced men in the middle and dominate is not an easy thing,” Payne said.

“I think Kieran Quabba as well. We had a really young side and I was relying on the more experienced guys to help out and he was outstanding.

“I thought they (the young players) handled the step up to ISC level really well, just from a physicality point of view.”

Northern Pride recruit Tom Hancock led the side in a performance that gave Payne plenty of confidence about the season ahead.

Defensively the team were strong and with no serious injuries to report on the result was exactly what the coach was chasing.

While he is yet to decide on who will hold the captaincy for the year, Payne said Hancock did his chances no harm.

The Blackhawks will face Northern Pride in both teams’ second trial at Barlow Park on Saturday, with the contest a curtain raiser for the North Queensland Cowboys’ clash with Brisbane Broncos.