Townsviilllle pack tto ttearr iintto Iipswiich
The next generation of Townsville Blackhawks are preparing for their biggest challenge of the season so far when they take on the Ipswich Jets in the semi-final of the Mal Meninga Cup under-18s competition.
The Blackhawks finished the regular season as the only undefeated team with six wins, as well as holding the best defensive record and the equal-best attack.
Townsville coach Zeb Kyle credited his hard-hitting forward pack for the team’s impressive season.
“I think we’re just a really balanced side, our forward pack has been outstanding and it has given our outside backs the opportunity to do what they’ve done,” Kyle said.
“Every game we’re getting better and our forward pack has definitely led the way for us – they’re a good group, they want to compete and they want to win.”
Ipswich head into the game coming off a thrilling 23-22 victory over the Wide Bay Bulls after charging home from 12 points down to tie the game and kick a lastminute field goal.
Kyle said his side would be wary of the Jets’ exciting backline.
“I’ve watched their last two or three games and they’ve got a really dangerous back five that get them out of their own half really well, so our kick-chase will have to be really good,” Kyle said.
“They’ve got a good forward pack too with some really good players, so we’re going to have to be on our game to get them.”
The Blackhawks will kick off against the Jets at
1.15pm.
The winners of Saturday’s semi-finals will meet in the grand final next week on Sunday, April 23 in Brisbane.
The senior Blackhawks are on a Hostplus Cup bye round this week.