Blackhawks snatch Meninga Cup thriller

qrlmedia — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:18:36 +0000

Blackhawks snatch Meninga Cup thriller

Townsville Blackhawks have capped off a dominant Mal Meninga Cup season (presented by Ford) with a fairy tale finish to their hard-fought grand final against Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

Both teams put everything on the line in a gripping contest at Kayo Stadium but it was the Blackhawks who emerged victorious after a clutch plays from star duo Archie Mesritz and Taj Lateo.

With the score locked at 20-20 and extra time seemingly just a minute and a half away, Mesritz ignited the Blackhawks with a brilliant kick return.

The surge put the Townsville team within reach of a one-point field goal, and man of the moment Lateo stepped up with a flat strike that sailed over the cross bar with just 30 seconds remaining.

An exhausted Wynnum team slumped to their knees, but they could hold their heads high after a superb effort.

The Seagulls led 8-0 early before the Blackhawks soared back with the next 20 points.

But when Jordan Hotere crossed and Payton Gifford landed his fourth goal, it was all locked up and the Gulls were in reach of a famous victory.

It wasn’t to be though for the bayside club as the Blackhawks held their nerve to clinch a thriller.

Townsville Blackhawks 21

TRIES : Ashyr Kelso, Alekisio Siale, Taj Lateo, Taylan To’a
GOALS : Taj Lateo 2
F/GOAL : Lateo field

def

Wynnum Manly Seagulls 20

TRIES : Alastair MacLachlan, Bailen Noy, Jordan Hotere
GOALS : Payton Gifford 3
P/GOAL : Payton Gifford

Townsville & Districts Mendi Blackhawks travel 1,000 K’s on North Western Tour

ourfooty — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 02:35:49 +0000

Townsville & Districts Mendi Blackhawks travel 1,000 K’s on North Western Tour

Author : Blackhawks Media

The Townsville & Districts Mendi Blackhawks has hit the road once again for their annual 2021 North Western Tour.

The tour covers over 1000kms of regional Queensland visiting Rugby League clubs at Julia Creek, Richmond, Winton and Hughenden.

Mendi Blackhawks Development Officer Tim Nugent said the tour is an important part of the development calendar.

Mendi Blackhawks Development Officer Tim Nugent. Photo Blackhawks Media

“We have been doing these tours since the club began in 2015,” Nugent said.

“All the towns we visit are in our footprint, and it’s our role as a club to actively help and support them in any way we can.”

“The programs we deliver are adjusted to suit each towns requirements, including conducting junior coaching clinics, helping co-ordinate senior training sessions and coaching updates.”

Nugent said the regulars visits has created a good linkage with the regional clubs .

“We have formed good relationships with these clubs and they will often let us know if there are any players that might be ready for the next level.”

“We have had kids from these tours, including Mitch Fogarty from Winton, who have trialed and been selected for the Mendi Blackhawks U18s and U16s and U21s teams.”

“The towns are really appreciative of any kind of assistance they can get.”

“And it’s rewarding for us to see any improvement they get from our visits.”

Joining Nugent on the tour will be Mendi Blackhawks Head Coach Aaron Payne and forward Moses Meninga.

“We are the pathway for the kids out west to have an opportunity to progress their Rugby League careers.” Payne said.

“Quite a few players from the Mendi Blackhawks and Cowboys are from these areas, so it’s good to remind them that rep footy is within reach.”

Earlier in the year it was announced that the Mendi Blackhawks would play their round 14 Country Round in Richmond.

“The team is really looking forward to heading out to Richmond,” Payne said.

“My partners Brooke’s family is from out there so I know first hand how excited everyone is for the game.”

“What these regional club can do putting on these games speaks volumes of the kind of people they are.”

Tour Itinerary

Sunday & Monday – Julia Creek
Tuesday – Richmond
Wednesday – Winton
Thursday – Hughenden

Mendi Blackhawks North West Tour – Julia Creek

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Blackhawks snatch Meninga Cup thriller