Murphy ready for valuable lessons
ANTICIPATION has been building for the return of rugby league, and Blackhawks hooker Sam Murphy is braced for a very different challenge.
While the Intrust Super Cup’s cancellation has eliminated his chance to build on his seven appearances in the statewide competition, the 21year-old has been allocated to represent Townsville Brothers as, in a historic move, they take part in the Mackay tournament.
When Brothers are able to take to Jack Manski Oval, Murphy expects a vocal fan base to greet them, irrespective of who they face.
But as for the new environment and tests he will face against different rivals, he is unsure what to expect.
Former NRL players such as Kevin Locke and Craig Garvey feature in the Mackay ranks, presenting an ideal opportunity for Murphy to progress even further — despite not getting any statelevel outlets for 2020.
Regardless, an infuriating chapter of being kept off the field will soon be behind him, with the competition set to begin on August 1.
“I don’t know much about the sides, but I expect them to be pretty good quality. Mackay club level is pretty highly regarded with quality players so I definitely think it will be a good competition,” Murphy said.
“I just think it will be good getting back and playing games, especially with the quality teams down there, I’m sure it will be competitive.
“It’s just good moving forward, keep playing against them and the quality of footy that’s going to happen with those sides.”
Murphy has begun training with Brothers in preparation for their first visit to the sugar city, while the Blackhawks are also putting in the framework to get back together next week.
Townsville teammates Lachlan Taylor and Sam Hoare were also allocated to Brothers before the season, and will be eligible to turn out in the revised format.
While eager to get game time under his belt, Murphy sees the crucial importance of getting back around the senior group to further his professional development.
With seasoned dummyhalves Josh Chudleigh and Krys Freeman to learn off, the young rake said the lessons he had learned off them could prove invaluable for the Brothers outfit.
“It’s pretty important training at that level with some of the players we have in that side; it’s always good competing against those blokes who have played NRL,” Murphy said.
“Josh Chudleigh and Krys Freeman, they’ve played at a high level for a long time so learning off them is good — they’re always willing to teach me new things. Hopefully what I’ve learned off them I can try and show some of the players in that local comp we’re playing in.”