Battle of custodians a beaut Traill ready for challenge
BLACKHAWKS fullback Nathan Traill says he’s excited for the challenge against one of the Queensland Cup’s flashiest attacking weapons in today’s showdown with Wynnum Manly.
Seagulls custodian Edene Gebbie has been in blistering touch this season with 13 tries, 17 line breaks, and 124 tackle breaks from his 17 games as well as running for 211m per game.
The 24-year-old Papua New Guinean’s form has propelled Wynnum Manly into second on the ladder as they travel to Townsville to take on the fourth-placed Blackhawks at Jack Manski Oval.
The Blackhawks had won a club record eight games in a row before last weekend’s humbling 40-18 loss to ladder leaders Sunshine Coast and Traill said they were keen for another chance to prove themselves against one of the Q-cup’s heavyweights.
“Everyone was pretty excited to play Sunny Coast on the weekend, but I think we all got a bit frantic on the field and went away from what we know best,” he said.
“That’s what we really need to look forward to doing this weekend is playing how we want to play.
“He (Gebbie) has just signed for Souths and he’s one of the players we’ve highlighted for the weekend that we really need to watch for.
“I think it’s just kicking to the corners and not letting him get any loose ball or any scrappy footy. That’s where he comes alive on a lost ball or a little grubber kick.”
Traill has been impressive since earning his Q-cup debut this season with three tries and six try assists from his 11 games.
The Cairns Brothers junior was on a train and trial contract last season before captaining Centrals to their first TDRL premiership in 16 years, which helped him earn a fulltime deal with the Blackhawks.
Traill had spent most of his time in the centres with the Blackhawks before a leg injury to regular fullback Zac Santo gave him a chance to lock down the No.1 jersey.
“That was one of my main goals after the grand final was to play Q-cup the following year. I was train and trial all last year so I was really pushing for a run-on spot this year,” the 22-year-old said.
“I thought I’d eventually get my chance to play, but I didn’t think I’d get this many games with such a strong squad this year. I’ve been pretty lucky.”
Kick-off at Jack
Oval today is at 4pm. Manski