BLACKHAWK RETURNS TO INSPIRE RUN TO THE TITLE

AT last, Sam Hoare will take to the field yet again, having overcome a knee injury in what has otherwise been a rare campaign for the Blackhawks captain.

The former Cowboy suffered a meniscus tear against Norths Devils right before Covid-19 postponed the Intrust Super Cup for a month.

With the competition sidelined for four weeks, Hoare was afforded extended time to recover from the setback, only missing last round’s victory over Mackay.

Three ACL injuries have ended past seasons for the 30-year-old prop, but with four byes this year and a host of coronavirus-caused delays he has been able to take the field 14 times.

With other players battling injuries returning to the fore, the skipper said Townsville was peaking at the right time, with only two rounds remaining until finals.

“I was thinking about that the other day, if I only miss one game it’s the first time since 2014 where I’ve played this much footy,” Hoare said.

“I’ve been pretty unlucky for the few years but I’m really enjoying playing some games consistently this year.

“I was thinking about that the other day, if I only miss one game it’s the first time since 2014 where I’ve played this much footy. I’ve been pretty unlucky for the few years but I’m really enjoying playing some games consistently this year.”

The Blackhawks will welcome back outgoing North Queensland forward Corey Jensen for the clash against Tweed.

The 27-year-old will be able to see out the season with the green outfit, before he takes up a two-year contract with the Broncos.

Jensen will take his place at lock, forming a formidable starting middle trio with Hoare and Joe Boyce.

In doing so, he will also become the Blackhawks’ most capped player, overtaking Michael Parker-walshe with his 76th appearance.

Hoare said the onus would fall on the side’s middle three to set the tone against the Seagulls, a team renowned for the defensive pressure their own forward pack regularly perform with.

“I think being a foundation Blackhawks player he has a lot of pride for the club … so hopefully he can go out as a premiership winner,” Hoare said.

“He’s always had the physical tools to be a regular NRL player and the more he’s played at that level the better he’s gotten.

“It’s going to be won or lost through the middle and I think the three starting middles we have will get us on the front foot early.”

Kick off is at 2.10pm today.