Biondi-Odo Bids Blackhawks Farewell
Thursday, September 24, 2026
Warrior in waiting Bailey Biondi-Odo is heading to New Zealand having earned a development deal with the Kiwi club. He’s determined to return to the NRL for a second stint, after making 17 appearances for the Bulldogs throughout their 2021 and 2022 campaigns.
“Being in the NRL is very hard and you have to be extremely consistent, and I probably wasn’t consistent at times. But I’m more mature now, and I learned a few things from when I was at Canterbury at a younger age. I look after my body a lot better now and I feel I’m committed to all aspects required to succeed at that level.”
The Innisfail product re-ignited his NRL aspirations while steering the Mendi Blackhawks around the park across 3 seasons. However his rugby league ambitions initially took a backwards step to family, when signing for Townsville midway through the 2024 Hostplus Cup competition.
“I guess in the rear of my mind I wanted to get back there but I actually signed so I could just be closer to the ones I love, and to really just enjoy footy again. Which is essentially what happened. Pretty much from the start, I was building strong relationships with teammates, not just on the field but off it as well, which then translated to performing well for the side I guess.”
Biondi-Odo always felt the backing of the club’s staff. He received unwavering support rediscovering his true potential.
“The Blackhawks have always helped people revive their careers, to go on and get another get contract at the next level, or to provide players that opportunity to step up. Originally it was Happy and Terry insisting I had that opportunity here and then most recently Ben Router after taking over from Adrian. But I’d say this year I’ve been at my peak, playing with real confidence and conviction and I’ve rebuilt that belief that I do belong at the top… I certainly wouldn’t be leaving if I didn’t think that.”
The playmaker produced impressive attacking stats in 2026, albeit after injury delayed his start to the season. Biondi-Odo dished out 19 try assists and scored 13 of his own in just 17 games, transforming Townsville into the most potent offence in the league. But when Burleigh stifled the Blackhawks attack in week 2 of the finals, the halfback fought back tears in the dressing post match. Not because the team’s premiership push had ended, rather his time in the black and green was finished.
“I tried to talk to all the boys straight after the loss but I couldn’t really express myself truly because I knew I was about to break down and cry. But I’m so grateful for my time at the Blackhawks they’ve given me all the tools I need to flourish, but more than that, I’ve made lifelong friendships and I’ve had some of the best years of my life playing footy here, and no matter where I go I’ll always hold them close to my heart.”
