Hostplus Cup Side for Pat’s Milestone Match & Colts Team to Tackle Mackay
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Aaron Payne’s picked a strong team to take on Mackay this weekend with one name getting all the attention. Patrick Kaufusi will make his hundredth Hostplus Cup appearance when he runs out against Mackay on Saturday.
“It’s a great achievement for Pat. His first game was for the Pride in 2014, he played a fair few for Easts as well and obviously now an integral part of the Mendi Blackhawks, in his third season at the club. There is a bit of a running joke his milestone would have come a lot sooner had he not be prone to a suspension or two throughout his career. But I’m glad it’s worked out that he gets to bring it up at home, on what’s already a special occasion, with the club really embracing Women in League round as well.”
There’ll be a plethora of pink at Jack Manski Oval on Saturday with the hosts excited to unveil their colourful kit while fans are being encouraged to dress accordingly. The coach anticipates a big crowd for Townsville’s first home game in over a month.
“Our last match here we were pretty disappointing against the Pride and now we’ve got another derby, this time taking on the Cutters and I expect the guys to be up for it. We’re unbeaten since going down to Northern, we’ve grown in confidence and there’s plenty to play for, particularly as we try and push for the top eight.”
Payne has no doubt the visitors would love to put a dent in the Mendi Blackhawks finals hopes.
“They’ve had a tough season and are obviously out of contention and they’d love nothing more than to get one over us and stop our momentum. They haven’t really got anything to lose so that in itself can be pretty dangerous.”
Our under 21s return to action in the Hastings Deering Colts competition. Check out the side selected below.
