One Woolf brother set to remain winless in 2018

TWEED Head Seagulls coach Ben Woolf knows better than to underestimate his brother and Townsville Blackhawks mentor Kristian ahead of today’s showdown at Jack Manski Oval.

The Woolf brothers will make history as the first siblings to coach against each other in the Queensland Cup – with Ben’s son, Brent, also part of the Blackhawks squad – but there will be more than just family bragging rights at stake.

Townsville is staring down the barrel of four straight losses for the first time in the club’s history, while the Seagulls are still searching for their first win in 2018 after four rounds.

The Woolf brothers generally have an open dialogue about coaching, and while there hasn’t been much said this week, Ben expected Kristian would have the Blackhawks primed for a big performance.

“Knowing him ( Kristian) and knowing that playing group, I think they’d be pretty dirty with their performances the last couple of weeks,” he said.

“Regardless of who they’re playing against, they’d be keen to get one back particularly up there at home.

“They’re strong in the middle and they play a nice, physical game. I think our forward pack really needs to step up and match that enthusiasm.”

Handling has been Townsville’s biggest issue over the opening month, but Kristian Woolf didn’t want his side to start being overly cautious and risk playing negative football.

“We need to stop making unforced errors, but at the same time it’s really important that we go out and we back ourselves and play some footy,” he said.

“We don’t want to think negatively in terms of not wanting to make an error. You’re going to make errors as a footy team, it’s how you respond that counts.”

Five- eighth Zach Dockar- Clay faces a late fitness test as he battles a corked thigh, but he is unlikely to return for the Blackhawks this weekend, with Jake Marketo to again deputise in the halves.

Townsville has also lost prop Corey Jensen to Cowboys duties in New Zealand, with Ross Bella coming into the side along with Cade Maloney, who will make his Queensland Cup debut.

Maloney comes in after impressive performances in the local A- grade competition.