Mates a key to rise of skipper

BLACKHAWKS under- 20s captain Sam Martin- Savage says the chance to play footy alongside his mates again has been the driving force behind his brilliant season in the Queensland Cup Colts competition.

Martin- Savage ( pictured) was crowned the Blackhawks’ under- 20s player of the year this week as he prepares to lead the team into a semi- final against the Norths Devils at Jack Manski Oval.

The former Kirwan High student spent last season with the Panthers under- 20s after being recruited by Penrith supremo Phil Gould. Martin- Savage said he enjoyed the experience in the NRL system, but he felt the chance to return home to Townsville with the newly formed Blackhawks under- 20s had brought out the best in him on the field.

“I reckon I’ve played well being home. It felt like I made myself better playing for my family and playing with the boys that I grew up with,” he said.

“It was a good time ( in Penrith). It was a really good experience, but there’s nothing like being home.

“This season’s been great. They’re a great bunch of boys so it’s been good playing alongside them.”

Martin- Savage’s hard work with the Blackhawks under- 20s hasn’t gone unnoticed — he earned a senior debut against the Central Capras in Round 13.

The 20- yearold has been training with the Queensland Cup squad all season and he said he had tried to bring that same level of professionalism back to the under- 20s.

“I’ve been working hard all year, not just on myself but hopefully as a leader as well and I’m just really enjoying it with the boys,” he said.

Blackhawks under- 20s coach David Tangata- Toa said MartinSavage’s leadership had played a big part in their success after claiming the minor premiership.

“He’s got a crack at ISC level this year and he’s been a real leader on and off the field,” Tangata- Toa said.

“The experience that they gain up there just training with the ISC squad has been a real benefit for our boys and for myself. They come back and they lift the standards of the group.”

The Blackhawks expect a tough contest this afternoon against the Devils, who are arguably the form team of the competition, having won seven straight games.

The winner of today’s clash goes straight through to the grand final at Suncorp Stadium on September his team had the players to get the job done.

“There is a little bit of confidence there, but we’re up against a tough side,” he said.

Kick- off at Jack Manski Oval today is at 1pm.