Flying Blackhawks test options at back
THE Townsville Blackhawks won’t rush into making a definitive call on who will play fullback when it matters most after resting Zac Santo from yesterday’s 62- 12 thrashing of Tweed Heads at Hughenden.
Carlin Anderson has been playing on the wing since coming back from a long- term hand injury three weeks ago, but scored a try in his return to fullback.
The luxury of resting a quality player like Santo highlights the welcome selection headache Kristian Woolf has in settling on his best back- three combination before the finals.
Townsville has also rested prolific tryscorers Jonathon Reuben and Kalifa Faifai Loa in recent weeks.
The 12- tries- to- two win against a depleted Seagulls outfit ensured the Blackhawks retain top spot on the Queensland Cup ladder.
“I gave Zac a rest today and gave Carlin an opportunity at fullback,” Woolf said.
“Something we wanted to do is to make sure we give those guys a good opportunity to show they deserve to be in the team when it matters most.
“We’re very lucky we’ve got four guys you can win a comp with, whether they’re wingers or fullbacks … They’re all competing against each other and that brings the best out of each other, too.”
Woolf hinted his preference was to lock down a permanent fullback, rather than alternate players throughout games.
“We have looked at that at different times with Jonno Reuben and Carlin Anderson – we were doing that at the start of the year,” Woolf said.
“But that can be difficult for your halves. We don’t have to rush into anything yet.”
Woolf was pleased with his side’s professionalism against the Seagulls.
The Blackhawks led 34- 6 at halftime and went on with the job after the break, with Jaelen Feeney, Faifai Loa and Reuben all crossing for doubles.
“They were a little undermanned and we certainly can’t get too excited over it, but at the same time it would have been really easy to make that game a scrappy display,” Woolf said. “We kept a good attitude and discipline in defence … There’s a lot to be happy about.”