Experience in Seniors gives Colt confidence
BLACKHAWKS flyer Michael Carroll says a taste of senior footy this season has him ready for anything in tomorrow’s Queensland Cup Colts decider against the Norths Devils at Suncorp Stadium.
Carroll looms as Townsville’s strike weapon having scored four tries in his past four games, including a double as they came from behind to beat the Northern Pride 26- 22 in the preliminary final.
The 20- year- old has enjoyed a stellar season after helping Australia win gold in the Commonwealth Nines Championships before earning a senior call- up for the Blackhawks’ season opener.
Carroll scored a double on his Q- Cup debut and he has a reputation as a prolific tryscorer, having scored five in a game for the Herbert River Crushers in the TDRL in 2016.
The in- form centre expected the intensity to lift for tomorrow’s Colts grand final, but he hoped to use his experience at the top level to try to be a leader for the young Blackhawks.
“I’ve been with the Cup boys so I was pretty nervous coming in as a young fella, but they welcomed me with open arms,” Carroll said.
“You learn a few things from different players … and as long you take all that stuff in it’ll always help.
“It’s another level above so I’ve got to bring that same energy to the 20s and try and use it to bring a few of the other boys up as well.”
It hasn’t been all smooth sailing for Carroll after breaking his leg while playing in the Q- Cup in April, but the Innisfail product felt he was playing his best football since getting back on the field.
“It took a while to recover, I think it was about eight weeks, but I tried to get back on the field as soon as possible after everything was right and I haven’t looked back since,” Carroll said.
The Devils got one over the Blackhawks as they ground out an 18- 14 win in the qualifying final and Carroll felt it was crucial that they tighten up their defence with the premiership at stake.
“It is good that we get to have another shot at them, but this time it’s in the big one so it’d be even better to come home with the trophy.”