Blackhawks Sign 6 Players
Monday, October 20, 2014
The Townsville and Districts Mendi Blackhawks RLFC are delighted to announce the following Player signings for the 2015 Intrust Super Cup Season: Anthony Mitchell, Tom Humble, Ricky Thorby, Chris McLean, Taylor Welch and Corey Jensen.
Anthony Mitchell – Hooker
Having played all of his junior rugby league in the Townsville & Districts competition, Mitchell was lured away from home to make his NRL debut for Parramatta in August 2010. The Hooker moved on to the Roosters halfway through the 2011 season. In 2012 he found his way back to North Queensland and played his first game with the Cowboys in July 2012. Mitchell had success with the Cowboys and is names his greatest achievements as representing the Indigenous All Stars in both 2011 and 2012.
Tom Humble – Halfback/Five Eight
Blackwater born Humble played in the Townsville & Districts Rugby League competition in 2006-2007 before spending a year with Cowboys Under 20s side. Following a stellar year at Intrust Super Cup Club the Northern Pride in 2009, the versatile utility back moved on to play in the NRL for both Parramatta and the West Tigers. In 2013 Humble signed with the Penrith Panthers but a horrific ankle injury meant he spent most of 2013 on the sidelines. The 2014 season saw Humble take on a starring role with the Penrith side who took out the New South Wales Cup Premiership.
Ricky Thorby – Prop
Thorby made his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons in 2007. During his four years with the Dragons he performed strongly as an impact player from the bench. The New Zealand born Prop moved to the Cowboys in 2011 but didn’t make his Cowboys debut until 2012. He has been playing with Intrust Super Cup side the Northern Pride when not playing NRL for the past 4 years. He comes to the Townsville & Districts Mendi Blackhawks after coming off contract with the Cowboys at the end of the 2014 season.
Chris McLean – Second Row
McLean was the Lock Forward and Captain of extremely successful Cowboys Under 20’s side that narrowly missed out on the NRL Premiership in 2011. The Clermont product moved to Norths Devils in 2012 and suffered a season ending ACL injury in Round 10 in 2013. He comes home to North Queensland to join the Townsville & Districts Mendi Blackhawks after spending the 2014 season with Wynnum Manly.
Taylor Welch – Winger/Fullback
Welch was born in Dallas, Texas USA but moved to Warrington, North West England in 2003. The English/American dual citizen was involved in the Warrington Wolves Academy from Under 13s through to 1st Grade. In 2008 he made his Super League Debut for Warrington and is thought to have become the first American to ever play in the Super League. In 2013 the winger/fullback was a member of the USA Tomahawks World Cup Squad.
Corey Jensen – Second Row
Jensen is a true success story of the Townsville and District Rugby League system. Born in Bowen he played all of his junior football for the Bowen Seagulls and some senior rugby league for the Burdekin Roosters. Jensen has played representative level football for Australian Institute of Sport Schoolboys side and also impressed when selected for the Queensland Under 16s and Under 18s teams. Jensen comes to the Blackhawks after a great year at number 11 for NQ Cowboys Under 20s.
