Feeney has Jets in his sights

WHEN asked how he feels about the Ipswich Jets, Jaelen Feeney grimaces.

The Blackhawks five-eighth has bitter memories about the southeast Queensland club and it has developed into something of a vendetta.

All that has done is fuel the new Townsville captain to make an impact when they begin their Intrust Super Cup campaign.

Feeney will fill the shoes of club skipper Sam Hoare as the former Cowboy continues his comeback from an ACL injury.

The 25-year-old is expecting the same old Jets – flamboyant, off the cuff and unpredictable – when they take to North Ipswich Reserve.

While he has had the wood over today’s opposition since his move to Townsville, the hard memories persist.

And it all began when the Jets pipped his Newcastle Knights New South Wales Cup side at the 2015 NRL State Championship.

“It was the first year they started doing their style of football and no one was ready for it,” Feeney recalled.

“Us not versing them at all from the different state cups, we just couldn’t handle them one bit so it was very frustrating.

“I did my ACL against them as well and lost a semi-final against them. I’ve won more games than them eventually, but they always seem to get me in the really important ones.

“I don’t hold grudges at all, but they’re a team where you want to go out there and do yourself proud and get one back over them. There’s that extra motivation.”

News of his selection as captain was met with instant elation from Feeney.

While his position in the halves means he is always vocal on the field, it will be his actions that set the foundation of his leadership.

Feeney, a former Newcastle Knight, forms part of a strong contingent at the Blackhawks that have a wealth of NRL experience.

But according to Feeney, it will mean nothing to the Jets.

“It probably would come into play against any team except for Ipswich,” he said.

“You’re used to being in big games and versing teams with big name players, but Ipswich don’t give a rat’s about who you are.”

The Blackhawks and Jets will kick off the Intrust Super Cup at 5.30pm today.