Laybutt’s hot form might cost Hawks
TOWNSVILLE Blackhawks coach Kristian Woolf believes star five- eighth Kyle Laybutt is close to full service following his starring role with Queensland Residents.
Laybutt produced his best game of the season in last weekend’s 36- 6 demolition of New South Wales, and has been named on the Cowboys’ extended bench for tomorrow’s clash against the Bulldogs.
He will play for a largely unchanged Blackhawks team against Souths Logan Magpies on Saturday, should Cowboys coach Paul Green avoid late changes, and Woolf said Laybutt would gain confidence from his form.
“I thought the Queensland Residents was going to be really good for him, and it was,” Woolf said.
“He played terrifically and he gets a lot of confidence out of being selected and playing well at that level.
“It was higher than what he plays week to week in the Queensland Cup, so I expect that will really springboard the rest of his season.
“By all reports, he’s an opportunity of playing for the Cowboys, and whether he does or doesn’t I’d hope that gives him another spring in his step.
“If he does get a run we’ll be really happy for him, and if he doesn’t he certainly knows he’s not too far off.”
Corey Jensen will play his first Q Cup game in a month after three NRL appearances for the Cowboys, having been named on an extended Cowboys bench that also includes Blackhawks teammate Blake Leary.
Leary was man of the match for Queensland Residents after again showing off his first- grade qualities.
“Blake’s been playing really well all year and he’s done a good job in his first grade stints, and I was expecting him to go into that ( Residents) arena and play really well,” Woolf said.
The Blackhawks also had David Munro play in the weekend’s rep games, with the young backrower playing for Cook Islands.
“We had a few players involved and you certainly want to make sure you release those players because I think it’s a great experience for them,” Woolf said.
“They tend to come back with a lot of confidence.
“You can get a real followon affect from that, but at the same time plenty of clubs at this point of year have plenty of bumps and bruises, and blokes who need a rest.
“We were pretty well off; the guys who did get a ( rep) game were all healthy, did well and came back to the club better for it. A lot of the guys who did miss out probably needed a break anyway.”
Former Gold Coast squad member Davin Crampton is also a chance of returning from injury for Saturday’s game at Jack Manski Oval.
Saturday’s game kicks off at 4pm.
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