TAKEAWAYS FROM THE 2022 DRAW
1 Friday Night Lights
The Blackhawks will become one of the first clubs in the Queensland Cup to play home games under lights on a Friday. Jack Manski Oval will play host to two Friday games including against Wynnum-manly Seagulls (Round 3) and PNG Hunters (Round 8). Payne said it was exciting for the players and would allow them to still have a life during footy season.
2 Straight into the fires
Blackhawks will have a chance to prove themselves early in the season with a meeting against reigning champions Norths Devils in Round 1. The Devils will bookend the Blackhawks season with games in Round 1 and Round 20. The Blackhawks will face all of last year’s top four teams in the first five rounds.
3 Rivalry time
It is a double-edged sword for the Blackhawks when it comes to rivalries. Aaron Payne and his men will fight their fiercest rivals, the Pride, in their first away game in Round 4. The two sides shared the spoils in 2021 with both games finishing 30-26. One downside is that they will only meet fellow Cowboys feeder club Mackay Cutters once (Round 10).
4 We’re going bush
A town or venue have not been confirmed, but the Blackhawks will take a game to the bush as part of the QRL’S Country Week. Payne said it would be a chance for the club two finally hit one of the few spots in their footprint that they are yet to play in with the game likely to be taken to either Cloncurry, Julia Creek or Ayr.
5 Revenge best served cold
Townsville will have to wait until Round 14 before they can finally get their revenge against Souths Logan Magpies after last season’s unceremonious finals exit. The Blackhawks failed to fire in the second half of their elimination final against the Magpies, giving up a 2210 halftime lead to be bundled out 30-24. They will host the Magpies in the only game between the pair next season.