Blackhawks name Kumuls in side

By PARKER TAMBUA
TOWNSVILLE Blackhawks coach Aaron Payne has named Papua New Guinea international Moses Meninga on the bench for tomorrow’s Queensland Intrust Super Cup clash with the SP Hunters (2.10pm kick-off). It will be Meninga’s second appearance for the club and first clash against his former employers since joining the Blackhawks for the 2020 season. The former SP Hunters captain will play alongside fellow Kumul and Blackhawks five-eighth Kyle Laybutt in the round-nine clash at Bycroft Oval as they aim for their fourth win of the season. Laybutt told The National yesterday that he was excited to see Meninga return, especially against their countrymen. “Meninga has had couple of setbacks early on, but I believe he’s ready to go now,” the 25-year-old said.  “He has played a few games for our feeder club here and he looks set.  “I know he’ll be ready for a big performance against his former side.” Meanwhile, Laybutt said over the past eight rounds, they had struggled with consistency despite winning their first two matches. “It’s such a tough and close competition this year and we’ve been competitive in every game,” he said. “I think we just need to compete for 80 minutes and cut out our little lapses during games. If we can do that then I’m sure those wins will come. “But I’m really excited to play against some of the boys (Kumul teammates) this weekend. “I’m usually super excited to head over to PNG and play them over there but it’s disappointing that it’s not possible this year. “But I’m sure the Hunters will be looking forward to this game, so it’ll be an interesting contest.” Fixtures: Sat, June 5 — Hunters v Blackhawks, Tweed Heads v Devils, Wynnum Manly v Cutters, Falcons v Dolphins, Bears v Capras, Jets v Magpies; Sun, June 6 — Pride v Tigers.