Feeney’s return to offset a huge out

PAYNE said Feeney’s absence played a massive role in the Blackhawks loss, the lack of his vocal presence noticeable when the side strayed from the game plan.

“I thought we really missed (Feeney) to be honest. When we get a little bit lost or lose our way a little bit he’s the bloke that’s continually talking and keeping everyone on the same page,” he said.

“He (Nona) was pretty brave to keep playing. He did it right at the start of the game.

“We think there’s a bit of damage there. We have to wait and see if a scan confirms that or not. Obviously his experience would be a massive loss to us, we’ll just wait and see.”

The likes of Riley Price, Josh Chudleigh and Patrick Kaufusi did all they could to salvage a result and cement a home final.

But for all the ability and experience within the Townsville ranks, simple errors in attacking zones proved too costly, as did a host of poor defensive reads.

Rarely have the Blackhawks failed to score enough to win a game, only failing to pass 20 points three times in 2021.

Now that they are in a far more daunting position to lift the club’s first trophy, Payne threw down the gauntlet to his squad: shape up or the season will be in vain.

No outfit has won the competition from outside the top four, and without even a home ground advantage behind them it will be a backs against the wall approach.

Not that it fazes Payne.

The Cowboys legend said the time to be critical or negative was over now that finals football was on the horizon.

With a clash against the Magpies now locked in it would simply be a case of who turned up in the right mindset.

And with a squad at his disposal brimming with NRL experience, Payne was confident if anyone was to break tradition and win from where they stood it would be his men.

“I’ve still got full belief in the group that we can win the competition,” Payne said. “There’s no doubt in my mind – not one ounce of doubt – but the realistic side of it is we need to be better, otherwise all our hard work will be for nothing.

“Were we a little bit guilty of treading water today with the result not meaning too much as far as we couldn’t go any higher on the ladder and were always going to play finals football?

“Maybe, but I guess the answer to that will be how we apply ourselves next week.

“We’ve been a successful club because we’ve always set ourselves high standards and if we don’t achieve them we’re disappointed.

“There’s no more motivation than to play well next week otherwise you won’t be playing footy anymore. That’s all the motivation they need. It’s just about application now.”