Blackhawks win fiery encounter with Magpies

An early injury to Kyle Laybutt didn’t stop the Blackhawks from dominating the early stages, as both Michael Carroll and Temone Power crossed the line in the sixth and 13th minutes.

The Magpies replied through winger Matt Soper-Lawler in the 20th minute, to get their first points of the afternoon.

Former North Queensland Cowboys hooker Josh Chudleigh continued his fine run of form since returning from two knee reconstructions, scoring twice in five minutes, to give his side a handy 22-4 lead. Halfback Shaun Nona successfully kicked both conversions.

A late first half try to Souths fullback Guy Hamilton in the 38th minute added some respectability to the score line heading into the sheds - with Townsville leading 22-8.

The Magpies refused to go away after the break, with Soper-Lawler snaring his second try soon after the break and Hamilton adding the extras to make it 22-14.

However, it was the Blackhawks who had the last laugh when high-flying winger Kalifa Faifai Loa crossed in the 64th minute, with Shaun Nona again knocking over the extra two points.

Blackhawks coach Aaron Payne was pleased with his side’s attitude and ability to grind out a tough victory, despite absorbing plenty of pressure in the second half, from a fast-finishing Magpies side.

“It was a really tough win from our boys," Payne said.

"We certainly made it hard on ourselves, and we can be a lot smarter, and not put ourselves under the pump defensively so much.

"We were down to one player on our bench at the end of the game, but we just kept turning up for each other."

Payne was especially impressed by Chudleigh’s effort, with the hard-working hooker producing an impressive 80-minute performance.

“He’s been playing really well - he’s constantly getting better and growing in confidence week to week," Payne said.

"He was certainly was one of our better players today."

Having only won back-to-back games once this season, Payne said he was hoping his side could start stringing some wins together when they face the Ipswich Jets at Jack Manski Oval next week.

Meanwhile, the Souths Logan Magpies will face the CQ Capras in a bottom of the table clash at Biloela next Saturday.