QUEENSLAND CUP ROUND 1 Johnson the man to lead Blackhawks
JACK Johnson is becoming well rehearsed in his juggling act.
By day he ferries off the coast to work as a labourer and returns to his studies in physiotherapy.
But he has little time to recuperate – once those tasks are complete he gets stuck into training with the Townsville Blackhawks under-20s side.
Now his expertise in balance will be tested on the field upon being named his side’s captain.
By his own admission, Johnson is not much of a talker. He will say “what he has to say” when it has to be said but ultimately it will be his actions that lead his charges on the field.
While he was originally from Mackay, Johnson said he had found great footing in Townsville and the announcement that he would lead the team this season was met with elation from the 19-year-old.
“I was stoked, I couldn’t believe it. I’m not from Townsville at all and I got introduced to the Blackhawks for the first time last year,” he said.
“I had the time of my life with everyone, I love the Blackhawks – it’s an unreal home for me.”
Between his university, work and rugby league commitments, Johnson has flourished in Townsville.
As a self-confessed “poor uni student” the Blackhawks were quick to help the young forward secure work. For him, it simply embodied what the club was all about.
Johnson’s standing at the club is gathering speed with every hitout.
Against the Mackay Cutters in the pre-season he was afforded the opportunity to step up to the senior side – a crucial step in his continued development as a player.
Each tackle was completed with extra ferocity. Every play the ball was slowed by the additional strength of his opponents.
But Johnson was simply overwhelmed to be acknowledged as someone who could “cut the mustard” against bigger players, and while he was admittedly daunted by the task he came out of it having “had a ball”.
His under-20s coach Dave
Elliott has been impressed with the wealth of leadership options at his disposal.
But what separated Johnson from the rest of the pack was the backing of the rest of the pack.
“We’ve got a good leadership group there, but Jack is certainly someone who leads by example off the field and he has the support of the group,” Elliott said.
“Right throughout the club we have pretty level-headed blokes, they have a pretty good understanding of what it takes to be consistent and implement that on to the field.”
The Blackhawks under-20s will take on Ipswich Jets at 3.50pm today at North Ipswich Reserve.