Woolf’s troops up for Benji

BRING on Benji.

That’s the mindset being adopted by the Townsville Blackhawks ahead of Sunday’s Queensland Cup game against the Redcliffe Dolphins, who are set to field NRL premiership winner and New Zealand international Benji Marshall at Jack Manski Oval.

The Blackhawks are eager to make amends for last weekend’s record 42- 4 loss to the PNG Hunters in Port Moresby, but might have to go through Marshall should the Broncos retain Origin stars Anthony Milford and Darius Boyd for Saturday’s NRL clash against the Roosters.

The Broncos- contracted star provided the difference in Redcliffe’s 18- 6 win over the Blackhawks in Round 4, with a welltimed grubber kick and then a cut- out pass creating two late tries for the Dolphins.

“We’ll see what they name but that doesn’t always necessarily tell you exactly who’s going to play,” Blackhawks coach Kristian Woolf said.

“Benji was the difference last time we played them and he certainly laid on the last pass and the last kick for two tries.

“It’s a real bonus for them if he does play, but at the end of the day we have a footy team that can beat anybody, regardless if they have Benji Marshall or not.

“I haven’t lost confidence in what we can do as a team, and my job is to try and find ways to get the best out of us.

“That falls on my shoulders more than anyone else.”

Woolf will name the 17 outplayed in Port Moresby, but has not ruled out late changes.

Blackhawks captain Daniel Beasley ( groin) and Q Cup leading tryscorer Jonathon Reuben ( ribs) were late withdrawals last week but will be given every chance to play on Sunday, while young forwards David Munro and Ross Bella are also firming for selection.

Woolf is hopeful last weekend’s thumping has the desired effect on his playing group, which suffered a 22- 6 loss to Souths Logan and 26- all draw with the CQ Capras before last weekend’s thumping.

“I suppose sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you really realise you need to improve,” he said.

“We really need to get a little bit tougher as a group and with the basics of footy.

“That’s running a bit harder and wanting to put our bodies in front of defenders.

“That’s basically what we need to be better at – along with other things – but that’s the real basis of it.

“I’ve got no doubt that at some stage we’re going to do that, and we have to make sure it’s this weekend.”

Sunday’s kick- off is 3pm.