Storm star returns to Blackwater

Sam Joe has returned from Melbourne Storm to play in CQ.

Colin Whelan

IT is less than a month ago that exciting Central Queensland talent Sammy Joe was in Rockhampton with the Melbourne Storm but now he prepares to start the new season at Blackwater.

The Blackwater Crushers senior rugby league team will be bringing out its big guns this season, with the signing of former Storm player Joe.

A utility back, Joe has lobbed in Blackwater after deciding to take a year off from playing professional rugby league.

While in Rockhampton for the trial match against the Brisbane Broncos, Joe made a presentation, in conjunction with first team coach Craig Bellamy, of a Storm shirt to his former club Fitzroy/Gracemere.

He recently said he had signed a four-year contract with the Storm during which time he played two NRL matches for the first grade side.

He was also a member of the Storm’s under-20 team that defeated the West Tigers in last season’s grand final.

“I just decided to take a year off and get a skill under my belt,” Joe said.

“I plan to return to professional league after a year.”

Joe was born at Thursday Island and is a former student of St Brendan’s College. He is looking forward to taking to the field for the Blackwater Crushers.

Comets coach Wayne Barnett said he would certainly keep tabs on what Joe was doing at Blackwater but ruled out an approach to the player.

“It would all depend on what sort of contract he has over there (Blackwater),” Barnett said. “We will definitely keep track of him.”

The Central Highlands senior rugby league competition is set to kick off on March 20.