No half measures: two blues search for seven

If Hawks want a place in the top five, then winning back-to-back games is key.

But the club’s roller-coaster opening round of the season has included another length search mission – finding the ideal halves partner for Heta.

The two blues will trot out another halfback for this Sunday’s clash with St Pat’s at the Bathurst Sportsground, Sandon Gibbs-O’Neill named to play in the seven jumper alongside Heta.

In total, Hawks have named four different halves pairings in seven rounds, with Jake Blimka, Bobbie Brown and Callum Mokaraka also having a run at halfback in that time.

With Heta, the best five-eighth in the competition, controlling much of the play, a steady-more-than-brilliant No.7 would fit the mould perfectly as the club looks for stability in key positions.

Gibbs-O’Neill has only recently returned to full-time training with the club having won World Kick Boxing Federation Australian Amatuer 72.5kg belt in May.

Having played some of his best footy at hooker and in the halves with Hawks, the 25-year-old could be the pivot the club is looking for.

Gibbs-O’Neill is one of a host of returning faces to Hawks side this Sunday, with wrecking ball Sione Tongia and backrower Brett Morgan both named to start after missing last weekend’s loss in Cowra.

Given the Magpies were below Hawks on the ladder leading into last week’s game, Heta said his side can’t afford to continue to drop games against sides lower on the ladder.

Sitting seventh, St Pat’s is another of those sides.

“I’m not entirely sure how Pat’s have gone this season, but I do know they’re a side that we’re not about to underestimate,” Heta said.

“They’ve beaten some pretty handy sides, we’ve just got to be sure we’re up for the test.”

Hawks were missing a stack of talent during last weekend’s loss to Cowra, but Heta refused to use those absences as an excuse.

Instead, he’s looking to his young side to bounce back and put an end to the premier league side’s inconsistent form.

“It’s attitude,” the in-form five-eighth said.

“You’re going to concede points in a game of footy, it’s how you turn back up after conceding them that’s key and the young guys in the team are learning that.”

Kick-off is at 2.15pm at the Bathurst Sportsground on Sunday.