Payne: We need to win last two

COACH Aaron Payne says the Townsville Blackhawks’ finals destiny is still in their own hands despite dropping a crucial point in a 23-23 draw with the PNG Hunters on the Gold Coast.

The Blackhawks fought back from 22-16 down to level at 22-22 with less than a quarter to go before Jake Bourke’s field goal with three minutes remaining appeared to have sealed the two points.

But after an error from the visitors, the Hunters marched downfield to set up Kingstimer Paraia to slot a field goal on the siren to break Blackhawks’ hearts.

But with other o results going g their way, the T o w n s v i l l e side (10th) is still s only one point p behind

Easts E (ninth), North Northern Pride P id (eighth), and Tweed (seventh).

The Cutters’ 38-34 victory over Burleigh Bears also brought them into the finals equation, with that victory moving them level with the Blackhawks on 18 points.

Payne (pictured) said his players still knew what they had to do with games against Tweed next week and the Norths Devils (in fifth) a week later to round off the regular season.

“We are probably relying on some results to a certain degree,” he said.

“But at the same time, what we need to concentrate on is us and our equation doesn’t change. We just need to win our next two games, and well.

“If we take the positive parts out of the game; the things we did well and do that for longer and improve our discipline, we can win both games.

“If we do that, we’ll give ourselves every chance of spring boarding ourselves into the finals.

“We certainly haven’t put the cue in the rack. We still haven’t played to our potential and if we do that, we can still be a force in the comp.”

Payne said there were parts of the game against the Hunters he was pleased with but there were minor details that needed to be improved upon.