Smith ‘not done yet’

STORM and Queensland champion Cam Munster has a message to those adamant Cam Smith will retire, declaring: “I don’t think he’s done.”

Munster, who has won two grand finals alongside Smith, is steadfast in his belief Smith, despite being aged 37, will pop up this season at either Brisbane or the Gold Coast.

“No, I don’t think he’s done,” Munster said. “I think he still has a lot to give.”

“I know he’s not as quick as Damien Cook or other hookers in the game.

“It will be good for whatever team gets him. The Broncos have some good young talent coming through, same with the Titans. It wouldn’t surprise to see those two clubs in the eight in the next couple of years.”

TWO first-time starters over the 498m distance contest the Angliss Meats R/W at the Townsville greyhounds tonight.

Aston Cash (1) for Peter Milani has drawn well for her first look here, while Wink At Me (8) for Brad Belford has consistent form over 380m and is stepping up in distance.

Secret Shades (5) for Paul Smith broke her maiden status on Tuesday night over 380m and has had three starts over the distance for three placings.

Guard Of Honour (3) for Rhonda Essery has had nine starts here for three placings, and goes in as a place chance.

The Tony Parker 4/5th Grade over 498m is an open race, with Copper Canyon (7) for Robert Lound going in as one of the favourites.

While only a fair beginner, he has mid-race acceleration and will be running on strong at the end.

Here Comes Pappa (4) for Scott Atkinson, however, is racing consistently over this distance and will be a big danger to Copper Canyon.

Inconsequential (2) for Kerry Griffin has been racing well, and although unplaced on Tuesday night she has drawn well here and should be one of the frontrunners.

Ebony Jay (1) for Belford ran third here on Tuesday night behind Miss Verity in the heats of the Young Guns, and she has drawn an easier race.

A DEFINING moment in women’s rugby league history will kick off this weekend, when the Townsville Blackhawks first under-19 girls’ side takes on Mackay.

Coached by Pete Edmonds, the outfit will play four matches against their North Queensland rivals in the introduction of a key pathway for ascension to the QRLW and NRLW competitions.

The inaugural clash with the Cutters will form part of a major day of competitive football, with Townsville’s Intrust Super Cup and more junior outfits all taking the field in the Sugar City on Saturday.

Blackhawks football operations manager Adrian Thomson said the team had evolved quickly since beginning training at the start of the year, and this would prove a crucial step in their development.

Some of the players who will line up have been training alongside the Gold Stars, including talented forward Courtney Reynolds.

Thomson hoped that by offering pathways of this nature, and continuing to develop them, prospective talent would not have to relocate to the southeast in pursuit of firstgrade rugby league – as has been the case with the likes of Shaniah Power and Remy Teitzel.

“I’ve seen a number of their sessions, and from when they started to when I saw them last they’ve progressed,” he said.

“The good thing about the women is they take everything in, they’re all willing to learn and listen to their coaches. They’re very attentive.

“It’s small steps and we’re not expecting miracles, but there’s some talented girls in there. Hopefully they learn over the four games, and that’s what it’s about – the pathway with the future to progress to Gold Stars, and obviously the NRL is beckoning if the Cowboys have a team in the not too distant future.”