Northern Pride RLFC

Australian rugby league club, based in Cairns, Queensland

  • Barlow Park, Cairns (seating 1,700, standing 15,000)
CEOGarreth Smith (2022-)ChairmanTerry Medhurst (2024-)CoachEric Smith (2024-)ManagerSam HarremanCaptainKyle Schneider (2024-)CompetitionQueensland Cup

Mal Meninga Cup Cyril Connell Cup Harvey Norman U19 Harvey Norman U17

BMD Premiership (from 2025)
Home jersey
Home colours
Away jersey
Away colours
Current seasonRecordsPremierships2 (2010, 2014)Runners-up1 (2009)Minor premierships2 (2013, 2014)Wooden spoons0
Queensland Cup
SportRugby league
Inaugural season2008
Number of teams15
CountryAustralia
PremiersNorthern Pride (2024)
Most titlesRedcliffe Dolphins (6 titles)
WebsiteQueensland Cup
Broadcast partnerNine Network

Northern Pride Rugby League Football Club is a semi-professional Queensland rugby league club based in Cairns. Founded in 2007 they represent Far North Queensland, and compete in Queensland's top rugby league competition, QRL's Queensland Cup.

Since 2008, the club have been minor-premiers twice (2013 and 2014), and have appeared in ten finals series, reaching the Grand Final three times (runners-up in 2009 and winners in 2010 and 2014). In 2014 they won the NRL State Championship.

Along with the Mackay Cutters they are affiliated with the National Rugby League's North Queensland Cowboys.

History

The Northern Pride was one of two expansion teams for the 2008 season of the QRL Wizard Queensland Cup, along with the Mackay Cutters, against whom they played their debut game.[1]

Cairns was represented in the QRL State Competition from 1996 to 2000 by the Cairns Cyclones, but a lack of support resulted in their withdrawal.[2]

Further representation in the competition was suggested in 2006 by a Cairns-based consortium of John O'Brien (owner of Pacific Toyota, Cairns), Denis Keeffe (chairman of Events Cairns and former CEO of the North Queensland Cowboys), Nigel Tillet (president of the CDRL) and John Moore (QRL Northern Division chairman), this time with the support of Peter Parr, CEO of the North Queensland Cowboys, and 9 of the 11 local CDRL clubs. Starter capital for the bid was provided by 40 local business people.[3]

The team name and logo were unveiled in July 2007 at a 'Legends of Origin' lunch held at The Reef Hotel Casino.[4] The Northern Pride bid was submitted to the QRL on 25 August 2007, and approved on 14 September 2007.[5]

Northern Pride is a development club built around the phrase 'Born and Bred.' It was formed to create a regionally based talent development pathway for players, coaches and administrators.[6] Prior to the creation of the club, talented Far North Queensland rugby league players were invariably forced to move away from the region to go to schools and/or join southern based state league and national league clubs. The Pride is a feeder club to the North Queensland Cowboys.

Competitions

The Northern Pride first grade side competes in the QRL State competition, the Queensland Cup, which for sponsorship reasons is called the Hostplus Cup (2023-), formerly the Intrust Super Cup (2010–2022) and the Wizard Queensland Cup (2008–2009).

The club also field academy teams in the Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup U18 (2009–), and Cyril Connell Challenge U16 (2009–2016, 2021–), and women's teams in the Harvey Norman U19 (2020–), Harvey Norman U17 (2024–), and from 2025 the BMD Premiership.

The club played in the former Hastings Deering Colts U20 Competition (2018–2020), Hastings Deering Colts U21 Competition (2021–2023), and QRL Junior State Championships (2017–2020).

Staff

Coach

The original coach was Adrian Lam, who arrived in Cairns in August 2007, but was released a month later to take up a coaching position at the Sydney Roosters.[7] He was replaced by former NRL Canberra Raiders player Andrew Dunemann, with former North Queensland Cowboys player David Maiden, and Foley Shield coach Troy Cummings as Assistant Coaches.

Dunemann resigned at the end of 2009 and Maiden was promoted to Head Coach with former Canberra Raiders and PNG international David Westley as Assistant Coach. Maiden left at the end of 2012 season and was replaced by former Super League player Jason Demetriou as head coach with Ben Rauter as Assistant Coach.

Demetriou coached the Pride to a minor premiership in his first season, winning 17 of their 22 games and being awarded the 'Men of League Coach of the Year' award. In his second season Demetriou secured the minor premiership again, winning 20 games in 24 rounds, before taking out the premiership and the inaugural NRL State Championship. Demetriou resigned at the end of the 2014 season to take up the position of assistant coach under Paul Green at the North Queensland Cowboys. He was replaced by assistant coach Joe O'Callaghan, who coached the team during the 2015 and 2016 seasons with assistant coaches Shane O'Flanagan and Leon Hallie, and trainer Darren Ferricks.

Former North Queensland Cowboys and Queensland Origin winger Ty Williams was appointed coach in 2017, with assistant coaches Sam Obst and Shane O'Flanagan. Williams was named QRL 'Coach of the Year' for the 2018 season, and he signed several contract extensions which saw him coach until the end of the 2023 season.[8] Eric Smith was appointed coach for the 2024 season, with former Pride players Sam Obst and Will Bugden as assistant coaches.[9]

Northern Pride Coaches

Other Coaching Staff

  • Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tim Holdsworth.
  • First Aid Officer: Shane Jarvis.
  • Football Operations Manager: Chey Bird (2018-2020), Cameron Miller (2021), Tanya Tully (2022-).
  • Team Manager: Sam Harreman.

Captain

The foundation captain of the Northern Pride was former North Queensland Cowboys and St. George Illawarra Dragons player Chris Sheppard.[10] He was the first player signed to the team in July 2007, and was captain and operations manager for the first three seasons. Sheppard retired after leading the Pride to the 2010 Queensland Cup premiership.

Former North Queensland Cowboys player Ty Williams was captain for the next three seasons (2011–2013), before retiring to captain-coach the CDRL Innisfail Leprechauns. In 2014 Brett Anderson and Jason Roos were named as joint co-captains.

Ryan Ghietti was named as captain in 2016, with Jack Svendsen as vice-captain. Ghietti retired at the end of the 2018 season and Tom Hancock and Dave Murphy were named as joint co-captains for the 2019 season. Javid Bowen was named captain for the 2020 Season, but only one round was played before the season was cancelled due to COVID-19.

When matches restarted in 2021, Bowen re-signed with the Cowboys and Chris Ostwald and Jayden Hodges were named co-captains. Hodges left at the end of the 2022 season, and Ostwald was named captain for the 2023 season, with Ewan Moore as vice-captain. Newly signed hooker, Kyle Schneider was appointed captain for the 2024 season, with Ewan Moore and Evan Child as joint vice-captains.

When the team captain has been unavailable due to injury or representative duties, they have been replaced by other team members, including Chey Bird, Ben Laity and Mark Cantoni. Other players have been named as captain for pre-season trials, including Warren Jensen, Ryan Stig, Sheldon Powe-Hobbs, Jordan Biondi-Odo and Tom Hancock.

CEO

The foundation Chief Executive Officer was Dennis Keeffe (former CEO of the North Queensland Cowboys), who held the position from 2007 to 2009. He was replaced in 2010 by QRL Northern Division chairman John Moore. From 2011 to 2013 former team captain Chris Sheppard was chief executive officer. In 2013–2014 Northern Pride business development manager, Brock Schaefer was CEO.[11] Schaefer resigned at the end of the 2014 season to take up a role at South Sydney Rabbitohs, and was replaced by former Pride player Rod Jensen for the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Greg Dowling was CEO for the 2017 season, but resigned half-way through the 2018 season. He was replaced by Mark Quinn, who resigned at the end of the 2020 season. Paul Callaghan was CEO for the 2021 season, with Garreth Smith taking up the role in 2022.

Chairman and Board of Directors

The founding Northern Pride chairman was John O'Brien. He was replaced at the end of 2008 by Bob Fowler, who retired in December 2015. Terry Mackenroth acted as interim chairman until June 2016, when Cairns real-estate agent and club director, Tony Williamson, was appointed chairman. Williamson resigned at the end of the 2020 season, with Nigel Tillett acting as interim chairman until Terry Medhurst was appointed chairman at the start of the 2024 season.[12]

The Northern Pride Board of Directors for the 2024 season is Terry Medhurst (chair), Joel Riethmuller (player representative), Micheal Luck (North Queensland Cowboys representative), (FNQRL representative), Mark Whitnall, Leon Yeatman, Stephen Devenish and Sarah Campbell.

Venues

Barlow Park

The Pride's home ground is Barlow Park in Cairns. The playing field is 114 metres long (100 metres of field plus two 7-metre in-goal areas) by 68 metres wide. The facility is floodlit for night games with four towers providing 620 lux. The venue has a capacity of 15,000, which includes 1,700 seats (mostly undercover) in a stand on the northern side of the park. The stand was constructed in 1987. The car park can accommodate approximately 300 vehicles. In 2012–2013 the Pride played 13 consecutive home games at Barlow Park without loss. In 2014 Barlow Park was renamed 'The Jungle' and the Pride won all 12 matches they played there.

Other venues

When Barlow Park was unavailable due to renovations, maintenance and conflicts with other events, the Pride played at nearby venues. They played three home games at CDRL Kangaroos' Vico Oval (two in 2010 and one in 2019), one home game at CDJRL Jones Park in 2018, and two home games at CDRL Cairns Brothers' Stan Williams Park in 2018.

The Pride have relocated home games to regional venues: Davies Park, Mareeba (2014); Atherton Stadium (2016 against Burleigh Bears, and 2018 against Townsville Blackhawks); Callendar Park, Innisfail (2022 against Wynnum Manly Seagulls); Tully Showgrounds (2023 against Sunshine Coast Falcons); and Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville (2024 against Souths Logan Magpies).

Inclement weather resulted in a change of venue in Round 7 2014, when the Pride home game against Easts Tigers was postponed by Cyclone Ita and later played at Davies Park, Mareeba, and Round 1 2018, when heavy rain closed Barlow Park, so the Pride's home game against Wynnum Manly Seagulls was played at Langlands Park, Brisbane.

As part of the QRL's 'Country Week' initiative, the Northern Pride have played at Alec Inch Oval, Mount Isa (2012); Jilara Oval, Yarrabah (2013); Davies Park, Mareeba (2014); Callendar Park, Innisfail (2015); Ravenshoe IRL Grounds (2016); Yusia Ginau Oval, Bamaga (2017); John Street Oval, Cooktown (2018); Ken Brown Oval, Thursday Island (2019 and 2022), Atherton Stadium (2021); and Andoom Oval, Weipa (2023). [13]

Pride Oval and Leagues Club

The Pride purchased CDRL Kangaroos Leagues Club and Vico Oval, Irene Street, Mooroobool from the Redcliffe Dolphins in June 2008 for $1.85m (the Dolphins having purchased the Oval and Leagues Club from the Kangaroos in 2005 when the Roos were in financial difficulty). Vico Oval was renamed Pride Oval and the 2008 Northern Pride Player Awards ceremony was held at the Pride Leagues Club. Pre-season trials were played at Pride Oval in 2009, as well as rounds 9 and 11 of the 2010 season.

The Oval and Leagues Club cost around $230,000 a year to maintain, and so in December 2010 Cairns Regional Council agreed to purchase the sporting complex for $2.5m to guarantee its future as a sporting field, prevent residential development on the land and free the Northern Pride rugby league club from an oppressive debt. The Pride were given a six-month lease, and when it expired in May 2011 they decided not to renew and moved to Barlow Park. Pride Oval was leased to CDRL Kangaroos RLFC and became Vico Oval and Kangaroos Leagues Club once again. The Pride played a pre-season trial matches at Vico Oval in 2012 and 2016.

Seasons

2008 – Inaugural Season - Preliminary Finalists

In their first year in the Queensland Cup the Northern Pride came third, losing the preliminary final in golden point extra-time to the Souths Logan Magpies, who went on to win the 2008 grand final. The foundation coach was Andrew Dunemann, who had played first-grade in both the NRL and English Super League. The assistant coach was David Maiden, a rugby league international who had played in the NRL, English Super League, and Queensland Cup. The foundation captain was Chris Sheppard, who had played for the North Queensland Cowboys and St. George Illawarra Dragons.

2009 – Runners Up

The Northern Pride followed up their impressive first season by finishing second and reaching the grand final. The Pride's first grand final appearance ended in a 32–18 loss to the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles at Stockland Park. Coach Andrew Dunemann left at the end of the season to take up a position as assistant coach to Rick Stone at the Newcastle Knights.

2010 – Premiers

David Maiden took over as coach. Maiden played for the North Queensland Cowboys, Gateshead Thunder and Hull FC, as well as representing Scotland as an international in the 2000 Rugby League World Cup. The Northern Pride finished fourth and made the Grand Final, having won 11 matches in a row. They won their first premiership, beating Norths Devils 30–20 at Suncorp Stadium. Captain Chris Sheppard won the Duncan Hall Medal for his man-of-the-match performance, which was his last game before retirement.

Grand Final video highlights.
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Northern Pride squad 2010 Queensland Cup premiers (1st title)
Front-row forwards
8. Alex Starmer (prop) – 9. Jason Roos (hooker) – 10. Ben Laity (prop)
Back row
11. Nick Slyney - (second-row) - 12. Mark Cantoni
13. Joel Riethmuller (lock)

Backs
7. Chris Sheppard (c) (halfback)
                              6. Clint Amos* (five-eighth)
3. Brett Anderson - (centre) - 4. Rod Jensen
5. Kaine Manihera* (wing)                                        2. Michael Bani* (wing)
Chey Bird (fullback)
Interchange: 15. Ben Spina, 16. Noel Underwood, 17. Mark Dalle Cort, 18. Rod Griffin
Coach: David Maiden

2011 season - Semi-finalists

The new captain was recently retired North Queensland Cowboys wing Ty Williams. Between Round 14 of the 2010 season and Round 5 of the 2011 season, the Northern Pride won 17 consecutive games, a Queensland Cup record. After a draw in Round 6 and a win in Round 7, the Pride were unbeaten after 19 matches. The Pride finished the 2011 season in second place, but were eliminated after losing the semi-final 26-20 to Tweed Heads Seagulls at Dolphin Oval, Redcliffe.

2012 season

In 2012, the club finished seventh to miss out on a finals appearance for the first time in their short history. At the end of the season, coach David Maiden resigned, while fullback Chey Bird, who scored 572 points in 94 appearances for the Pride, retired along with former North Queensland Cowboys star Rod Jensen, who scored 36 tries in 69 games for the club, second on the Pride's all-time try scorer list.

2013 – Minor Premiers

Former Super League player Jason Demetriou replaced David Maiden as coach, and Brock Schaefer replaced Chris Sheppard as CEO. The Pride finished first and won their first minor premiership. Head Coach Jason Demetriou was awarded the Men of League Coach of the Year. The Pride lost the major semi-final and the preliminary final, and missed out on a Grand Final appearance. At the end of the season Captain Ty Williams retired.

2014 – Minor Premiers, Premiers and NRL State Champions

Coach Jason Demetriou named Brett Anderson and Jason Roos as joint co-captains. Barlow Park was renamed 'The Jungle' and the Pride introduced a new mascot, Barlow the lion. The Pride won 20 of their 24 games (including all 11 home games at Barlow Park) and they took out the minor premiership for the second year in a row. The Pride won the grand final 36–4 against Easts Tigers and won the inaugural NRL State Championship against the New South Wales Cup premiers, Penrith Panthers. At the end of the season four of the Pride's players were offered NRL contracts and Demetriou left to take up the role of assistant coach at the North Queensland Cowboys.

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Northern Pride squad 2014 Queensland Cup premiers (2nd title)
Front-row forwards
8. Ricky Thorby* (prop) – 9. Jason Roos (hooker) – 10. Ethan Lowe* (prop)
Back row
11. Blake Leary - (second-row) - 12. Tyrone McCarthy
13. Ben Spina (lock)

Backs
7. Sam Obst (c) (halfback)
                              6. Shaun Nona (five-eighth)
3. Brett Anderson - (centre) - 4. Kyle Feldt*
5. Semi Tadulala (wing)                                        2. Javid Bowen* (wing)
Hezron Murgha (fullback)
Interchange: 14. Ryan Ghietti, 15. Sheldon Powe-Hobbs, 16. Joel Riethmuller*, 4. Davin Crampton.
Coach: Jason Demetriou

2015 season – Elimination Finals

The Northern Pride defended their premiership under new coach Joe O'Callaghan. This was the inaugural season of the Townsville Blackhawks in the Queensland Cup, who became the third feeder club of the North Queensland Cowboys. The Pride were eliminated 54–26 in the first week of the finals by the Ipswich Jets, who would go on to win the Queensland Cup. The Pride got off to a poor start, losing the first four rounds, but then began to string some wins together, climbing into the top eight by Round 9. They won 14 games this season, and finished in sixth place, but were eliminated in the first week of the finals, losing 26–54 to the Ipswich Jets, who would go on to win the Grand Final against the new Townsville side.

2016 season

The Pride lost a wealth of talent to retirement at the end of last season. In 2016 they fielded the youngest team so far, with an average age of 21. While the Pride had some memorable wins, they lost more home games than they won and finished eighth, missing out on the finals series for just the second time. At the end of the season coach Joe O'Callaghan resigned.

2017 season

Ty Williams succeeded Joe O'Callaghan as coach.

2018 season

The Northern Pride made the finals of the Queensland Cup for the first time since 2015, but were eliminated by the Easts Tigers 0–28. This game was played at Stan Williams Park, the home of Cairns Brothers, as Barlow Park was unavailable.

2019 season

The Pride's 2019 season was disappointing. While they started the season well, winning their first two games against tough opponents, they went on to lose the next 10 straight, a club record, and finished in twelfth place with just five wins from 23 games. They managed to finish the season in a competitive fashion, pulling off a thrilling comeback to defeat Easts Tigers 18-16 in their last home game, before narrowly falling to Tweed Seagulls 12-10 in the final round.

2020 season

The season was cancelled after one round due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[14] The Pride played three pre-season trials, two of which attracted large crowds - the trial against the Blackhawks was a curtain-raiser to the Cowboys v Broncos pre-season trial, and the trial against the Hunters attracted a large ex-pat following. The only match in the regular season was an away game where the Pride lost to Tweed Heads Seagulls. In August and September a special four-team 'Lightning Challenge' competition was held to give the players and fans some rugby league in what was otherwise a very quiet year.

2021 season

The 2021 Intrust Super Cup was played over 19 rounds.[15] The Northern Pride finished ninth and missed out playing in the finals.

2022 season

The 2022 Hostplus Cup saw fourteen teams playing 20 rounds. The Northern Pride finished 8th and were knocked out of the finals series in week one, losing 30-22 to the Central Queensland Capras.

2023 season

The 2023 Hostplus Cup was played over 22 rounds. The Northern Pride finished in seventh place, but were knocked out of the finals series in week one, losing 15-14 to Wynnum Manly Seagulls. Coach Ty Williams retired at the end of the season.

2024 season

The 2024 Hostplus Cup is the 29th season of Queensland's top-level statewide rugby league competition run by the Queensland Rugby League. Fifteen teams will play over 23 rounds between March and August, with the finals series played in September.

Eric Smith was appointed as coach.[16] New signings included Lachlan West, Nat McGavin and Bacho Salam from the Brisbane Tigers, Dane Aukafolau from the Newcastle Knights, Jensen Taumoepeau (Newtown Jets), Kyle Schneider (Mackay Cutters), Josh Allen (Canberra Raiders) and Ashton Galea (Innisfail Brothers).

Northern Pride 2024 Squad
First team squad Coaching staff
  • Kyle Schneider (c) – HK
  • Ewan Moore (vc) SR
  • Evan Child (vc) LK
  • Seamus King-Smith – FB
  • Nat McGavin WG
  • Jenson Taumoepeau WG
  • Rashaun Denny CE
  • Bacho Salam CE
  • Dantoray Lui HB
  • Lachlan West – FB
  • Ash Little PR
  • Terrence Casey-Douglas SR
  • Paea Pua PR
  • Christopher Ostwald – HK
  • Josh Allen PR
  • Will Partridge WG, CE
  • Dane Aukafolau SR
  • Matthew Egan HB
  • Ryan Flegler – HK
  • Kenneth Fonoti LK
  • Harry Freebairn HB
  • Denzel King – HK
  • Jaymon Moore PR
  • Taniela Ta'ufo'ou SR
  • Feao Tongia SR
  • Daniel Woodhouse CE
  • Rhy Young – FB
  • Joseph Ratuvakacerivalu PR
  • Whyatt Barnes LK
  • Ashton Galea – FB

Head coach

  • Eric Smith (Head Coach)

Assistant coaches

  • Sam Obst (Assistant Coach)
  • Will Bugden (Assistant Coach)
  • Tim Holdsworth (Strength & Conditioning)

Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice-captain(s)

Updated: 13 March 2024
Source(s): [1]


North Queensland Cowboys allocated players

The Cowboys split their squad of NRL and development list players between their two feeder clubs, the Pride and Mackay Cutters, with players not required for that weekend's NRL fixture heading to their Queensland Cup team.[17]

Cowboys who played for the Pride in 2024

2024 Ladder

Position Round 1 – 2024 P W D L B For Against Diff Points
2 Northern Pride 1 1 0 0 0 32 16 16 2

Team of the Decade, 2008–2017

In 2017, to mark the ten-year anniversary of the Northern Pride, a 'Team of the Decade' was selected. Eligible players had to have played 30 matches for the Pride. The selection panel was Brett Allen, Rhys O'Neill, Pat Bailey, Greg Dowling, Rob White and Bob Fowler. The Team was announced at a Gala Anniversary Dinner on 30 June 2017.

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Northern Pride squad Queensland Cup
TEAM OF THE DECADE
Front-row forwards
8. Ben Laity (2008–2013, 117 games) (prop) – 9. Jason Roos (2008–2015, 164 games) (hooker) – 10. Alex Starmer (2008–2015, 120 games) (prop)

Back row
11. Mark Cantoni (2008–2011, 89 games) - (second-row) - 12. Ben Spina (2010–2017, 140 games)
13. Joel Riethmuller (2008–2014, 2017, 108 games) (lock)

Backs
7. Sam Obst (2013–2015, 74 games) (halfback)
                              6. Chris Sheppard (2008–2010, 60 games) (five-eighth)
4. Ty Williams (2008–2013, 79 games) - (centre) - Brett Anderson (2008, 2010–2015, 127 games)
5. Hezron Murgha (2008–2015, 102 games) (wing)                                        2. Linc Port (2014–2016, 51 games) (wing)
1. Chey Bird (2008–2012, 96 games) (fullback)
Interchange: 14. Ryan Ghietti (hooker/(halfback, 2011–2017, 134 games), 15. Davin Crampton (centre/second-row, 2011–2014, 75 games), 16. Blake Leary (second-row, 2011–2014, 64 games), 17. Luke Harlen (prop, 2008–2009 & 2011–2012, 48 games).
Coach: Jason Demetriou (2013-2014).

Club records

  • Most appearances: Jason Roos, 163 (2008–2015).
  • Most points scored for the club: Chey Bird, 574 points (23 tries, 226 goals).
  • Most points scored in a season: Chey Bird, 216 points (5 tries, 97 goals) 2011 season; Khan Ahwang 206 points in 23 games in the 2016 season (13 tries, 76 goals).
  • Most points in a game: Tom Humble 34 points (4 tries, 9 goals) against Redcliffe Dolphins in Round 18, 2009.
  • Most tries scored for the club: Brett Anderson, 61 tries.
  • Most tries scored in a season: Linc Port, 26 tries in 25 games in the 2015 season.
  • Most tries in a game: 4 tries each by Brett Anderson (2008 v Mackay and again in 2011 v Easts); Tom Humble (2009 v Redcliffe); Linc Port (ROund 25 against CQ Capras in 2015).
  • Most goals for the club: Chey Bird, 226 goals.
  • Most goals in a season: Chey Bird, 97 goals, 2011 season.
  • Most field-goals: Chris Sheppard, 3 field-goals.

Jerseys

  • Northern Pride primary jerseys
  • 2008
    2008
  • 2009
    2009
  • 2010
    2010
  • 2011
    2011
  • 2012
    2012
  • 2013
    2013
  • 2014
    2014
  • 2015
    2015
  • 2016
    2016
  • 2018
    2018
  • 2020
    2020
  • 2023
    2023
  • 2024
    2024
  • Northern Pride alternative jerseys
  • 2008
    2008
  • 2009
    2009
  • 2010
    2010
  • 2011
    2011
  • 2012
    2012
  • 2013
    2013
  • 2014
    2014
  • 2015
    2015
  • 2016
    2016
  • 2023
    2023
  • 2024
    2024
  • Northern Pride special jerseys
  • 2010 NAIDOC
    2010 NAIDOC
  • 2011 NAIDOC
    2011 NAIDOC
  • 2011 NPA
    2011 NPA
  • 2012 Mt Isa
    2012 Mt Isa

Special playing strips

The five communities of the NPA Region: Injinoo, Umagico, Bamaga, New Mapoon and Seisia, the communities are represented on the five dots on the boomerang.
The five tribes the Traditional Owners of the NPA Anggamuthi, Atambaya, Wuthati, Yadhaykenu and Gudang. The tribes are depicted through the five rivers that stream from the bottom of the boomerang.
The main centrepiece of the design the Torres Strait Headress (Dhari) traditionally known as a Dhibal, is from Saibai Island, which makes up the majority of the TSI population in the NPA which migrated to the NPA throughout the 1940s. The Dhari as a significant importance in TSI culture, the initiation of young men into warriors, celebrated through dance and ceremonies.
The boomerang represents the Aboriginal peoples of the NPA, used in hunting and gathering and significant ceremonies.
  • 2012: Pink socks and pink bootlaces for the Breast Cancer Foundation and Women in League Round, Round 15 played on Saturday 23 June 2012 at Barlow Park against Tweed Heads Seagulls.
  • 2012: Orange jersey for the Round 17 game played on Saturday 14 July 2012 at Alec Inch Oval, Mt Isa against Souths Logan Magpies.

Sponsors

Naming rights sponsor

  • CRGT / Skill360 (2008–2013)
  • Sea Swift (2014–2017)
  • (No major sponsor for the 2018 and 2019 seasons)
  • Kenfrost Homes (2020– )

Other sponsors

  • Jersey sponsor: Sea Swift, Brothers Leagues Club, Queensland Country Credit Union.
  • Sleeve sponsor: NQ X-Ray (2008–2010), Skytrans (2011–2014), Rivers Insurance Brokers (2015), Rivers Insurance Brokers & LJ Hooker (2016)
  • Shorts sponsor: Brothers Leagues Club, Cairns Regional Council, Fuller Sports, Intrust Super, Cairns Hardware.
  • Playing strip manufacturer: EMU Sportswear
  • Other sponsors: XXXX; Gilligans Backpacker Hotel and Resort; Pacific Toyota; Cairns District Rugby League; Calanna Pharmacy; Tropic Wings; GATA Plastering; All Seasons Cairns Colonial Club; Cairns Plan Printing; Yalumba Winery.

Media partners

Players

Northern Pride players

Pride players Seasons Appearances
* More than 50 games
Adam Mills 2008–2009 17
Aisea Namoa 2010–2011 3
Alex Starmer 2008–2013 76
Ben Fitzpatrick 2010–2013 11
Ben Kerr 2008–2009 4
Ben Laity (c) 2008–2013 115
Ben Spina 2010–2013 54
Brent Oosen 2012–2013 4
Brenton Bowen 2010–2012 11
Brett Anderson (c) 2008, 2010–2013 71
Callan Myles 2008–2009 5
Chey Bird (c) 2008–2012 89
Chris Afamasaga 2008 7
Chris Riesen 2009–2010 19
Chris Sheppard (c) 2008-20100 59
Davin Crampton 2011–2013 27
Drew Campbell 2008–2010 16
Eric Warria 2008 1
Ethan Lowe 2012 22
Germaine Paulson 2009 17
Gordon Rattler 2008–2009 11
Hezron Murgha 2008–2009, 2011–2013 58
Jaiman Lowe 2010 11
Jamie Frizzo 2008–2010, 2012 48
Jason Roos 2008–2013 97
Jay Aston 2010 10
Joel Riethmuller 2008–2012 83
Josh Vaughan 2008–2009 41
Justin Castellaro 2012–2013 3
Lancen Joudo 2011 13
Luke Harlen 2008–2009, 2011–2012 40
Luke Millwood 2008–2009 10
Luke Saunders 2011–2012 15
Maddie Oosen 2012–2013 5
Mark Cantoni (c) 2008–2011 89
Mark Dalle Cort 2010–2012 35
Mick Wilson 2011 12
Mitchell Seri 2012 9
Noel Underwood 2008–2013 63
Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia 2008–2010 18
Richie Marsters 2008–2009 4
Rod Griffin 2008–2010 32
Rod Jensen 2009–2012 69
Ryan Ghietti 2011–2013 40
Ryan Stig (c) 2010 20
Saia Makisi 2012 7
Scott Gibson 2012 16
Shaun Nona 2011–2013 9
Sheldon Powe-Hobbs 2011 3
Stephen Sheppard 2008 11
Taputoa Sonny Rea 2010 8
Theeran Pearson 2010–2011 3
Tom Hancock 2013
Tom Humble 2009 23
Ty Williams (c) 2008–2013 60
Warren Jensen 2008–2009 16

North Queensland Cowboys who played for the Pride

Cowboys players Seasons Appearances
Aidan Day 2011 2016–2019 40
Ben Vaeau 2008 10
Blake Leary 2011–2012 25
Brandon Boor 2009 20
Carl Webb 2009–2010 3
Clint Amos 2010–2011 22
Cory Paterson 2011–2012 17
Dane Hogan 2010 7
David Faiumu 2008 3
David Pangai 2009 4
Jack Cooper 2011 6
Jackson Nicolau 2008 20
James Segeyaro 2010–2011 4
James Tamou 2009–2010 9
John Williams 2008–2010 5
Kalifa Faifai Loa 2011–2012 14
Manase Manuokafoa 2009–2010 17
Matthew Bartlett 2008 22
Michael Bani 2010–2011 23
Nick Slyney 2009–2010 44
Ricky Thorby 2011–2012 23
Robert Lui 2012 3
Steve Southern 2008, 2010 5
Travis Burns 2009 2
Will Tupou 2011 1
Wayne Ulugia 2012 10

Players who only played pre-season trials

Pride players Seasons
John O'Sullivan 2009
Robbie Kyles 2009
Darryl Grant 2010
Nick Obodin 2010
Nigel Naawi 2010
Freddie Fauid 2011
Nathan Kepa 2011
Tom Hancock 2011
Ryan Bartlett 2008
Shaun Cribb 2008
Francis Mosby 2011, 2012
Aaron Binawel 2012
Billy McConachie 2012
Jamie Kerwick 2012
Joel Marama 2012
Justin Dolan 2012
Masi Nona 2012
Rickki Sutherland 2012
Rohan Schultz 2012
Siaosi Liumaunu 2010
Troyson Bassani 2012
Wees Nawia 2012


Pride representative players

Queensland Country Representatives
Clint Amos
Scott Bolton
Tom Humble
Rod Jensen
Alex Starmer
Mark Cantoni
Joel Riethmuller
Queensland Residents
Clint Amos
Scott Bolton
Tom Humble
Rod Jensen
Brett Anderson
Mark Cantoni
Joel Riethmuller
Hezron Murgha
Ben Spina
Blake Leary
Shaun Nona
Javid Bowen
Davin Crampton
International Representatives
Australia Mitchell Grimes – Australian Under 15s Merit Side
Australia Noel Underwood – Australian Indigenous 19s
Australia Jack Svendsen – Australian Institute of Sport
Australia Nene MacDonald – Australian Schoolboys
Australia Brett Anderson – Australian Schoolboys
Australia Bernard Lewis – Australian Under 15s Merit Side
Italy Joel RiethmullerItaly Azzuri
Italy Ryan Ghietti – Italy Azzuri
Italy Justin Castellaro – Italy Azzuri
Italy Jamie Frizzo – Italy Azzuri
Tonga Saia MakisiTonga Mate Ma'a
Papua New Guinea Rod GriffinPNG Kumuls
Papua New Guinea Jay Aston – PNG Kumuls
United States Mark CantoniUSA Tomahawks
New Zealand Kaine ManiheraNew Zealand Maori
 Ireland Tyrone McCarthyIreland Wolfhounds


Northern Pride players who played in the National Rugby League

Player NRL Clubs
Brett Anderson North Queensland Cowboys Parramatta Eels Melbourne Storm
Chris Sheppard North Queensland Cowboys St. George Illawarra Dragons
Tom Humble Wests Tigers Parramatta Eels
Brenton Bowen North Queensland Cowboys Gold Coast Titans
Greg Byrnes North Queensland Cowboys
Rod Jensen North Queensland Cowboys
Ty Williams North Queensland Cowboys
Aidan Day North Queensland Cowboys
Joel Riethmuller North Queensland Cowboys
Ben Laity North Queensland Cowboys
Germaine Paulson South Sydney Rabbitohs
Jaiman Lowe South Sydney Rabbitohs
Lancen Joudo Cronulla Sharks
Luke Harlen Cronulla Sharks
Ryan Stig Newcastle Knights
Saia Makisi Western Suburbs Magpies
Sam Obst Sydney Roosters
Semi Tadulala Melbourne Storm
Joel Riethmuller North Queensland Cowboys
Hezron Murgha North Queensland Cowboys
Shaun Nona Melbourne Storm
Blake Leary Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Ben Spina North Queensland Cowboys
Davin Crampton Gold Coast Titans

Pride players who played UK Kingstone Press Championship

Player Championship Club
Sam Obst Keighley Cougars
Semi Tadulala Keighley Cougars
Latu Fifita Workington Town

Pride players who played English National League

Player National League Club
Saia Makisi Whitehaven

Pride players who played French Elite One Championship

Player Elite One Club
Mark Cantoni Salanque Méditerranée Pia XIII (Pia Donkeys)
Saia Makisi AS Carcassonne

Televised games

Between 2008 and 2011, one Queensland Cup match per round was televised free-to-air by ABC TV, with the game shown live across Queensland on ABC1 on Saturday afternoons at 2:00pm (AEST). The commentary team was Gerry Collins, Warren Boland and David Wright. The Pride had 20 matches televised by the ABC.

In 2012, the Nine Entertainment Network and Fox Sports acquired the broadcast rights. They continued to show one Q Cup game per round, live and free-to-air across Queensland on Channel 9 or GEM in south-east Queensland, on WIN Television (RTQ) in regional areas, and on Imparja Television in remote areas. From 2013 matches were also broadcast in Papua New Guinea on Kundu 2 TV.

The weekly televised match was played on Sunday afternoons at 2:00pm (AEST). In 2018, the match was rescheduled to 1:00pm (AEST) on Saturday afternoon, but this time slot was unpopular and ratings fell, and so in 2019 the televised match returned to a 2:00pm (AEST) Sunday time-slot. From 2021 Channel 9 only broadcast finals matches, with the weekly featured match shown on-demand on 9Now, and from 2022 on QPlus.TV and Kayo Free.

The Channel 9 commentary team included Andrew Voss, Ben Ikin, Nick Curry, Paul Green, Matthew Thompson, Scott Sattler, Adrian Vowles, Taylor Brown, Warren Boland, Drury Forbes, and Adam Jackson.

Between 2012 and 2018, the Pride had 29 matches televised by Channel 9, with eight of these matched being home games. The first game broadcast from Barlow Park, Cairns was Round 13, Sunday 10 June 2012 against the Pride's traditional rivals Mackay Cutters.

Live streaming

In 2011 the Pride began live-streaming their home games, starting with the last home game of the season (Round 22 against Tweed Heads). For the 2012 season, home games were live-streamed via the Pride website using video distribution service Rivus TV Ltd. Games were free for members to watch, and $5 per game for non-members.[18] From Round 5 2012 away games were streamed through the website as well.[19]

From 2013 to 2016, all matches (including pre-season trials but excluding matches broadcast live by Channel Nine) were streamed live through the Pride website, with access granted exclusively to Pride members.[20] Video production was by Studio Productions and the commentary team was Adam Jackson and Northern Pride Under-18s coach, Cameron 'Spiller' Miller.

In 2022 Sydney based Cluch.tv gained exclusive rights for live-streaming all QRL games; Hostplus Cup, BMD Premiership, Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup, Cyril Connell Challenge, Harvey Norman U19, and Harvey Norman U17. The subscription service operated under the website name Qplus.TV, with Cluch selling a subscription to all games for $4.99 a week or $49.99 a season. In September 2023 Cluch Pty. Ltd. entered voluntary administration with the QRL owed $233,000.

QRL relaunched QPlus.TV at the start of the 2024 season with the same subscription deal. The match of the round is shown free on QPlus, 9Now and Kayo Free.

See also

  • Sports portal
  • flagQueensland portal

References

  1. ^ "Northern Pride RLFC: History".
  2. ^ "Cairns Cyclones are no more". Archived from the original on 21 February 2014.
  3. ^ "Pride and Glory: They're our Pride and joy". Cairns Post. Cairns. 18 September 2010.
  4. ^ "And the winner is ... Northern Pride".
  5. ^ "Mackay and Cairns go in". Townsville Bulletin. Townsville. 15 September 2007.
  6. ^ "Northern Pride RLFC: About Us".
  7. ^ "NRL swoops on Pride's top gun".[dead link]
  8. ^ "Subscribe to the Cairns Post". cairnspost.com.au. Retrieved 9 August 2019.
  9. ^ "New Cup coaches of 2024: Smith at Pride". qrl.com.au. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  10. ^ "Sheppard starts Pride flock".[dead link]
  11. ^ "Bright young chief comes full of Pride".
  12. ^ "Terry Medhurst has been elected as the Northern Pride's new chairman after Nigel Tillett closed the book on his three year tenure with the club".
  13. ^ "Country Week locations announced". Queensland Rugby League. 14 April 2019. Retrieved 9 August 2019.
  14. ^ "Major second-tier competitions cancelled across Australia – QRL". Queensland Rugby League. 27 March 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
  15. ^ "QRL commits to statewide footprint as key changes unveiled". QRL. 19 October 2020.
  16. ^ Arnold, Rikki-Lee (9 August 2023). "Northern Pride announce new head coach".
  17. ^ "Cowboys 2024 feeder club allocation". cowboys.com.au. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  18. ^ "QRL: Pride fans can watch every game via live stream". Archived from the original on 30 December 2012. Retrieved 15 November 2012.
  19. ^ "Live stream through northernpride.com.au". Archived from the original on 25 February 2013. Retrieved 15 November 2012.
  20. ^ "QRL: Pride fans can watch every game via live stream". Archived from the original on 30 December 2012. Retrieved 15 November 2012.

External links

  • Official Website: northernpride.com.au
  • Northern Pride RLFC on Facebook
  • Northern Pride RLFC on Instagram
  • Northern Pride RLFC's channel on YouTube
  • Northern Pride RLFC on TikTok
  • Northern Pride RLFC on Twitter
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