Rob Lui speaks out as new club Townsville Blackhawks confirms deal

Rob Lui’s move to a new rugby league side has been confirmed after the man himself spoke out about his latest move.

The former Salford Red Devils and Leeds Rhinos halfback has moved back home to join North Queensland Cowboys feeder team the Townsville Blackhawks.

The 31-year-old halfback last played for the Cowboys in the 2015 Queensland Cup Grand Final, one which they lost to the Ipswich Jets despite claiming the minor premiership.

And, Lui, after a six-season stay in Super League with Salford and Leeds with 127 appearances to his name, is ready to give back to his former side.

“It still burns a bit there. I was playing with Rhyse Martin who was with the Blackhawks in 2015 and we always talk about it every time we see (Kurt) Capewell play on TV,” Lui told the Townsville Bulletin.

“But that desire is still there, I want to bring a premiership here to the Blackhawks and that’s burning down deep.

“It’s good to be home, I’m pretty much the only OG (original Blackhawk) running around but I can’t wait to rip in.

“We’ve got a good young core coming through, so I can share my experience. I’ve been everywhere around the world and am a local boy as well, so I’m pretty keen and ready to go.”

Despite being close to retiring at the end of the 2021 Super League season after suffering with injury, Lui believes he still has a lot left to give

“It was pretty tough over there with the pandemic. I sent my family over and I didn’t get to play in front of my youngest,” Lui said.

“He’s three years old, so I want to play in front of him and in front of my family too. “Townsville is home, I wanted to finish off here where I started and what better way to do it than at the Blackhawks.

“I still have a lot to give, I’m going to teach these young boys, motivate them and they’ll motivate me too. We want to bring a premiership here to Townsville, and what a way to do it in my first year back.”