Laybutt to reach milestone for most games with Blackhawks

KUMULS five-eighth Kyle Laybutt will become the most-capped Townsville Blackhawk when he lines up for their round-11 Hostplus Cup fixture against hosts Central Queensland Capras on Saturday.
Rockhampton’s Brown Park clash will also feature Papua New Guinean Capras players in Jedidiah Simbiken, Nixon Putt and Zev John.
Laybutt will play his 79th game for the Blackhawks, surpassing former North Queensland Cowboy Corey Jensen, who was part of the feeder side, Blackhawks, for eight seasons before joining the Broncos this year.
The 26-year-old told The National yesterday that he was proud to play for the young club, which was established in 2015, a year after SP Hunters had joined the Australian second-tier rugby league competition. “I don’t play for personal accolades, but it’s an honour, considering the proud history of a relatively young club,” Laybutt said.
“This is my sixth season with the Blackhawks, I made my debut for the club in 2017.
“I always enjoy home games in Townsville, but my best experience with the team was during the 2019 season when we won eight games in a row. There was an awesome feeling around the club and I really enjoyed it.”
Laybutt said he had no rugby league plans, but he wanted to enjoy every game.
“I will continue to play for the Blackhawks as long as I’m enjoying myself and playing to a high standard,” he said.
Laybutt is among a number playmakers vying for a spot for this month’s Pacific Test against Fiji.