CAPTAIN JACK’S STARRING ROLE
Friday, March 28, 2025
Captain Jack Sparrow packs a punch and the Mendi Blackhawk Captain Jack shares some traits with the Pirates Of The Caribbean character. While the latter might believe he’s as suave Johnny Depp, Campagnolo’s fast talking wise cracking banter and unique leadership is probably more in common with the film franchise protagonist.
“I do like to talk if you probably ask any of the other boys they’d say too much! But yeah we’ve got a lot of other great leaders here at the club already that are established players in the Queensland Cup so definitely have a lot of people to lean on.”
Coach terry Campese’s call to anoint the five-eighth skipper in his first campaign with Townsville was brave but it appears to be the right decision so far. Townsville has two wins from 2 games while the man leading the team on the field has scored 2 tries and twice been named the sponsors player of the match.
“Yeah I’m definitely excited to lead this club, obviously a lot of really good players have done so before me, so it’s certainly an honour.”
Leading the Mendi Blackhawks to a round three win over one of his former side’s in a local derby, was especially satisfying for the 26 year old.
“It was a little strange when I first came here, obviously the club being big rivals with the Northern Pride and me playing for them and being a Pride junior but you know this is where I live now and Jack Manski Oval is a great place to play. You know the crowd’s close to you, they have a few beers you can join them in the bar straight after the game.”
The Marquee signing is adamant Townsville will only improve on its early showings, given there are a lot of new faces in the side, and plenty of potential pre-season sessions to work on combinations were weather affected.
“Yeah a little bit of inconsistencies with the rain and stuff which hasn’t helped but yeah I think in the next couple of months we’ll sort of come on leaps and bounds I’m hoping.”
While were still in March, playing finals footy at the start of September is where the Mendi Blackhawks see themselves, as they look to secure a top eight finish for the first time since 2021.
“Yeah obviously getting back to the finals is that first goal. I’ve been chasing a Q Cup premiership for a few years now, so it’s just about giving it our best shot and see where we can take it.”
Next up is a home clash with the Central Queensland Capras on Saturday April 5.
