Gains and Losses for 2019: Townsville Blackhawks

Townsville Blackhawks has locked in a new coach and some strong players after losing a bunch of last year's talent. 

The North Queensland team were one of the in-form teams during season 2018, finishing the regular season third.

Some indifferent form in the lead up to finals and some long-term injuries to key contributors meant the season did not finish they way they would have liked. 

Stand-out second rower Andrew Davey, halfback Zac Dockar-Clay and try-scoring machine Jonathon Reuben are among those who have left the club, leaving big some big shoes to fill. 

But, the club has gained winning player Shaun Nona, hardworking local league star Chippie Korostchuk and talented hooker Josh Chudleigh from North Queensland Cowboys; Chudleigh was the 2016 Intrust Super Cup Player of the Year after a cracking year at Mackay Cutters. 

Former Cowboys hooker Aaron Payne will coach the Intrust Super Cup side this year; he is just the second coach of the Blackhawks, replacing inaugural mentor Kristian Woolf.

Payne played more than 200 NRL games for the Cowboys and has been heavily involved in the region’s pathway and development programs.   

GAINS: Shaun Nona (Brisbane Broncos / Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Sam Hoare, Kyle Laybutt, Shaun Hudson, Josh Chudleigh (North Queensland Cowboys), Chippy Korostchuk, Ryan Lloyd, Nathan Trail, Michael Parker-Walshe (TDRL)

LOSSES: Andrew Davey (Parramatta Eels), Zac Dockar-Clay (Blacktown Workers), Jonathon Reuben (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Sam Foster (Easts Tigers), Jordan Kenworthy, David Munro, Ross Bella, Paul Byrnes, Brendan Santi (Sydney), Ty Carucci (Townsville Brothers), Davin Crampton (Western Lions), Jordan Drew (Wynnum Manly Seagulls)

Where they finished in 2018: 3rd

Coach for 2019: Aaron Payne