Blackhawks Host Historic Junior Awards Night
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
The Mendi Blackhawks held a history making event on Tuesday evening hosting a junior awards night. The stand-alone presentation recognising the club’s teenaged talent, was a first for the black and green. The presence of Mendi Blackhawks Chairman Jeff Doyle and Executive Director Adam Peluchetti highlighted the importance of the occasion, as successful seasons from the under 17 and 19 girls and under 17 boys were celebrated. The latter praising all four junior teams for making the finals, with the under 19 boys still playing and hoping to show-off the Mal Meninga Cup trophy at the club’s end of year presentation awards.
“We were the only club across Queensland to have all junior sides play finals footy, so that’s a pretty incredible feat and something everyone involved should be extremely proud of.”
Pathways manager Jaelen Feeney particularly praised the girls efforts in 2026.
“For both our under 17 and 19 girls it was their first taste of sudden death footy. Our under 17s superb comeback win at Jack Maski Oval earned them a spot in the grand final and although they ultimately fell short, they should be delighted with their campaign. As for the older ladies, they also got to soak up hosting a home semi in front of family and friends and they should be pleased with their achievement.”
Feeney also commended the under Cryil Connell Cup team’s strong campaign which ended agonisingly short of an appearance in the decider.
“I thought the under 17 boys showed tremendous character this year especially after beginning on a tough defeat after the siren in round one, with the game decided by a missed conversion. I think they used that as motivation to fight for a top 4 finish and they showed their determination once again in their semi, scoring 18 unanswered second half points to almost run down eventual premiers Wynnum.”
Feeney had the special privilege of presenting The Blackhawks Way Award. The new award acknowledges a player’s commitment, continual improvement each week and playing the game in the right way, with attitude and actions on and off the field taken into account. The inaugural award went to under 17 players Trinity Blake, Makayla-Jayne Benson and Kaedyn Ketchell , alongside under 19 workhorse Nylani Namai.
More major honours followed later in the night. Halfback Diaz Bowen was named the under 17 girls player of the year, with the coach’s award going to front rower Victoria Tanoai. Another halfback was selected as the under 19 girls player of the year. Kiwi Keira Rhind claimed the award while powerful prop Ilaisaane Tuitupou was a popular pick for the coach’s award. The under 17 boys coach’s award went to lock Malakai Martin with winger Clarvarn Oth announced as the player of the year.
