Jaelen sets sights on massive battle in the No.1
“When I played first grade at fullback I didn’t get to enjoy it. I was learning my trade a bit, I was under the pressures of being a firstgrade footballer and it didn’t go too well,” Feeney said.
“My first game at fullback was my (NRL) debut, it was a childhood dream to debut and I had all the pressures of wanting to go out there and do my family proud.
“But also it was a new trade and I didn’t get much time at it – only two or three games before I was moved again.
“I was busy trying to learn and be a young first grade footballer, which has its ups and downs.
“Now Payney has given me a long chance to take it and really learn it. I’m really thankful for that, I used to see myself as a half but I’ve enjoyed myself so much I see myself as both.
“I’ve got a pretty big voice on the field so that has to do something this weekend.”
If any team is to defy the odds and win the competition from outside the top four, Feeney believes it is this Blackhawks team that will achieve it.
Only the Wynnum Manly Seagulls have achieved the feat, back in 2011 when the finals were only made up of the leading six outfits.
But it is a challenge Feeney said he and his teammates thrived on.
He knows it can be achieved, because he has done it himself.
When Newcastle won the New South Wales Cup in 2015 they did so from seventh place – the same spot the Blackhawks find themselves in.
A backs against the wall mentality is one Feeney says he relishes, as he not only searches to be the game-changing man but also take down an international flyer.
Brisbane Broncos and New Zealand ace Jamayne Isaako will line up as the Magpies fullback, and Feeney said the chance to get points over a regular first-grade player had added fuel to the fire for a standout performance.
“It adds to the challenge for myself, whenever I go up against a first grader I really like to take it as a challenge. Doesn’t matter who they are, I try to get one over them,” he said.
“Everything is on the line, the whole season and what you’ve worked for since November.
“Those one percenters people put in and those big moments that change the game, everything is on the line.
“I just thrive on those little moments in the game, during the year they’re not as special but in finals they count for everything.
“We can’t have any lapses, we’re either knocked out or (playing) away from now on. We have to turn up every week, there’s no second chances. The whole season is open to anyone to win.”
The Blackhawks and Magpies will kick off at 2pm in Brisbane.