https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/sport/local-sport/with-a-child-on-the-way-and-an-opportunity-in-front-of-him-the-blackhawks-new-signing-is-primed-for-a-big-year/news-story/1a261257eca7d42bd562aae72a05a67e EVERYTHING pointed to a return to the North for Pat Kaufusi. Unable to secure an NRL contract, the former North Queensland Cowboy has returned to the Townsville Blackhawks determined to make his mark and force himself back to into the first-grade fray. With he and his partner Amy expecting their first child in June, and family support close by, the stars had aligned for a comeback. Now Kaufusi is intent on using his NRL experience to help guide the Blackhawks to the Intrust Super Cup premiership. “I’ll bring everything I know and help the boys around me to try to take us to that next step,” Kaufusi said.
“Obviously it’s a good learning curve for me as well, I’m still able to learn from others here. “Something (I learned) from the Melbourne system was they’re big on work ethic and that’s what will get you to that level. Everyone has talent but it’s the people willing to put in more work who will get there.” Kaufusi comes with a wealth of experience in NRL circles, having represented the Cowboys, Melbourne Storm and St George-Illawarra Dragons. Unfortunately for him he was unable to secure another contract at the highest level of the game. It made for a difficult off-season at times for Kaufusi, who was forced to train by himself. But with the desire to make it in the NRL still burning, he said motivation was never an issue. “I sort of knew what I wanted to do so I had that drive to keep training,” Kaufusi said. “It’s just different when you’re training by yourself, when you’re in a system and team environment for that long that’s what you want to be doing.” Fortunately for Blackhawks coach Aaron Payne the 25-year-old will arrive with a glowing resume. Payne said the Tongan international’s NRL experience meant he would be well equipped to deal with various situations on the field and he hoped those lessons would rub off on the younger squad members. “Any of those guys who have played at the highest level and trained in those professional systems come to you ready made,” he said. “The more experienced guys can really show the younger guys how to prepare well week to week and how to be professional.” Payne played alongside his new signing’s older brother Antonio and while he saw similarities between the two as people, he said the new Blackhawk brought more versatility to a pack. “(Antonio) was more a middle forward, whereas Patty can play both through the middle and on an edge,” Payne said. “We’re excited by him, he was one of the best in QCup last year and when we played him we highlighted him as someone we had to contain. “He’s a handful to tackle and he’s a very powerful young fella so we’re really excited we’ve secured him.”
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AuthorOne of my main responsibilities was to cover the Blackhawks and Gold Stars and build strong relationships at the club. Archives
May 2020
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