DOUBLE D-LIGHT FOR DOWSON AND DEBRITT
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Josh Debritt and Declan Dowson donned Mendi Blackhawks colours for the first time in the club’s recent 3-way trial with Western Lion and Brothers, with both crossing for tries. For the latter, running out in the black and green fresh of turning a train and trial opportunity into a contract, capped a terrific 12 months. He won the Foley Shield with Townsville in 2024 and also claimed the RLTD premiership with Souths.
“Yeah had a really good year last year, playing against men, but also playing with them. And playing alongside the likes of Shaun Nona and Curtis Dempsey helped me, they really improved my game tenfold.”
Declan who’ll turn 23 next week was welcomed warmly when he began pre-season with the Mendi Blackhawks.
“I look at some of the names that are here and I’m like oh geez am I really up to that standard you know. It was tough at first ,there was a lot of running a lot of contact which I’m not that good at. But it’s been a good learning curve and I think it’s taken my game to another level already. And all the boys they took me under their wing and I knew a few of them already which was good, and yeah to be signed on now is a massive bonus.” 
And the fullback has soaked up plenty of knowledge so far.
“Well coach of course Campo you know he knows his stuff he’s done it at the highest level so everything he says I’m pretty switched on and listening. And the other Campo Jack, our half and Captain, he’s also got a lot of experience and you can tell he’s pretty knowledgeable so when he talks I’m listening.”
Josh Debritt questioned a rugby league return after suffering a second ACL tear not long after getting back on the field following a long road to recovery from his first injury setback.
“The first time I was good, I had a good mind set but then as soon as the second one hit I was a bit down in the dumps. Doubts definitely crept in, but then yeah just worked through it. I came back halfway through last year so still finding my feet again.”
The outside back believes he can get back to his best footy, and felt a fresh start would assists in that process.
“Got a call from my player manager that the Blackhawks were interested in me. I didn’t really know much about them at all to be honest, I didn’t know anybody here. So yeah it was a bit of a risk to come up here for a train and trial, but put in some hard work and thankfully got signed and yeah I’d say rewarded for all the hard work and effort that I did put in.”
The 19 year old has been assigned to Lions where he’ll aim to impress in the local league and push for a Hostplus Cup debut.
