Townsville Blackhawks are hoping it will be a case of third time lucky in this year’s Hastings Deering Colts grand final, with the North Queensland club taking part in their third grand final since 2018.
The Blackhawks were last year at the wrong end of an extra time epic, going down 17-16 to Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the 87th minute of the match.
Grand final highlights: Wynnum Manly v Townsville
The club also made the decider in 2018, but again went down, losing 20-16 to a Norths Devils side that boasted a team filled with now NRL regulars in Kobe Hetherington, Jordan Riki, Ethan Bullemor and Cory Paix.
The Blackhawks earned their opportunity to turn the tables in this year’s decider with two strong post-season wins, defeating this weekend’s opponents Redcliffe Dolphins in Finals Week 1, before eliminating their rivals Wynnum Manly in last weekend’s preliminary final.
Hastings Deering Colts finals highlights: Townsville Blackhawks v Wynnum Manly Seagulls
Blackhawks lock Aaron Moore was part of the team that lost by the barest of margins to the Seagulls last year and was focused on making the most of their opportunity on grand final day.
“Last year and losing to Wynnum Manly in extra time really burns for me and I would be worried if it didn’t to be honest,” Moore said.
“I don’t think week one (of the finals) has too much to do with this Saturday, they were missing players and this is a grand final, it all starts again.
“(For us) I think we are a well-rounded team that just needs everyone to do their job (if we are to claim the win).”
Match: Blackhawks v Dolphins
Grand Final -
home Team
Blackhawks
away Team
Dolphins
Venue: Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe
Coach Steve Sheppard downplayed his side’s opening finals round result and knew grand final day would be a fresh test.
“Week one doesn’t mean anything now they were missing their half Cody Hunter, who has played six Hostplus Cup games this season,” Sheppard said.
“He’s a class player and their hooker Taniela Otukolo has played six NRL games for the Warriors, so this is a different Dolphins team.”
While Sheppard was happy with the result in last weekend’s preliminary final against the Seagulls, he knew there was still plenty to work on in order to claim that elusive premiership.
“I was very happy with our defence in the first 70 minutes, (Wynnum Manly) scored in the very first set and then didn’t score again until the last 10 minutes,” Sheppard said.
“For 69 minutes, we were excellent; but then in the last 10 minutes allowed three tries.
“I think we were thinking about the grand final to be honest and took our mind off the job.”
The Blackhawks won’t be able to afford any lapses in concentration against their opposition in the decider, with the Dolphins having found strong form at the back end of the season.
The side would also have made plenty of notes following their Finals Week 1 defeat and worked hard to address their issues.
With the Cup side also featuring on the day, the Colts team would be looking to get their club on the front foot with an early victory.
“It’s a big event for the club and it’s great we are in two grand finals and it says a lot about what we are setting up here,” Redcliffe Dolphins Hasting Deering Colts coach Ben Te’o said.
“The Blackhawks aren’t going to care about any of that and they’re here to win, they won’t be overawed by the situation.
“We haven’t beaten them this year and the way they dismantled Wynnum Manly was impressive.
“We need to do our job on Saturday no matter where the game was being played.
“Our forwards need to do their job, there has never been a grand final won any other way and this game won’t be any different.
“Everyone loves a hooker, half or fullback that’s the way it is, but inside our walls our forwards get attention.”
Hastings Deering Colts finals highlights: Central Queensland Capras v Redcliffe Dolphins
Already identified as a player to watch by the opposition, Dolphins halfback and skipper Cody Hunter was excited to be part of a huge day for the club and knew a number of his team mates would be up for the contest.
“It’s a big deal on Saturday, it’s a grand final and it’s why you play,” Hunter said.
“I think Cup has really helped me this season, I am taking those games back to Colts and I am putting into practise what I have learnt.
“I think we have a few players that can play a part on Saturday; (five-eighth) Connor Williams is only a little fella, but he’s smart.
“Taniela Otukolo our hooker is massive for us.”
With the game kicking off at 1.15pm, the players would all be contending with the heat, but Sheppard said his players knew how to handle the challenge.
“The whole event fits our theme this year; anyone, anytime anywhere,” Sheppard said.
“Being Colts, we play at all sorts of grounds and times and all year; we have spoken about whatever they ask of us, we can get past it.”
Hastings Deering Colts grand final fast facts
- Townsville Blackhawks and Redcliffe Dolphins have met twice this season so far, with the Blackhawks winning both games. In Round ., they posted a 13-12 win, while in Finals Week 1, they were victorious 36-20
- This will be the first grand final appearance for the Dolphins since 2017 where they beat Mackay 34-12
- This will be the third grand final appearance for Townsville since 2018. They lost to Norths Devils in 2018 and also lost to Wynnum Manly Seagulls last year
QRL Match Review charges and results Finals Week 3 - Hastings Deering Colts
