Relief in crucial ‘Hawks triumph

A FEELING of relief swept over Aaron Payne when Blackhawks debutant Benn Campagnolo crossed in the dying stages of yesterday’s intense affair.

For the Townsville coach it was reward for his players for the effort they put in without the results, and for a young man seeking to take the next steps in his career.

Despite typically being a fullback or centre, Campagnolo jumped up from the under-21s to the green outfit’s Intrust Super Cup flank, breaking the deadlock in the final play of the 24-18 win against Mackay.

It was clear by the players’ reactions the moment brought euphoria to each of them.

On the back of the club’s first four-game losing streak, the 17 men needed an injection of confidence in that they could in fact close out a tight contest.

While Payne said it was arguably their worst performance of the campaign thus far, witnessing Campagnolo score his first senior try was a timely reminder of the proud moments rugby league can bring, even as the pressure mounts behind the scenes.

“I thought he was really good Benny, obviously it’s a big step up from 21s to ISC and I thought he handled himself really well,” he said.

“He wouldn’t have played a lot there (on the wing), but I thought it was good reward for him. “He did a lot of good things off the footy that people probably didn’t see were special efforts as well. For him to get that try at the end to seal the deal was a good reward for him.

“I haven’t known the kid for a long time, but I certainly like his attitude. He competes hard.

“Just the simple things like chasing hard … and pushing a kick out a little bit further to make it harder. It’s simple things like that I like seeing in players, they’re the type of players I like to coach.”

Despite finally ending their losing run, Payne said the clash continued to indicated they were a long way off where they needed to be as a team.

Poor ball control, an inability to build pressure and inconsistency in defence were key areas the Blackhawks mentor identified as weak spots.

However what was so pleasing was that they at last found a way to grind out the win.

Townsville were forced to defend the closing minutes with 12 men, after Jaelen Feeney was sent from the field.

At that stage they were up 18-16, before the ensuing Cutters’ penalty goal levelled proceedings.

But a missed Mackay field goal gave the Blackhawks a seven tackle set they needed to make count, which is where Campagnolo made his presence felt next to the corner post. Payne’s hope now is that the breakthrough triggers a response from the team for the rest of the season.

“We found a way to win, which was good, it’s something we’ve been guilty of – getting into bad habits of finding ways to lose,” Payne said.

“It’s hopefully the confidence we needed as far as getting a job done and hopefully we can build off it. If we can build off it we should keep progressing as a group.

“I think it was sheer determination the boys wanted to get it done that got us across the line at the end.”