WHAT 2017 PRIDE MAY LOOK LIKE
After a slow start the puzzle pieces have come together quickly for the Northern Pride for 2017. While the search continues for a key prop and backrower, RHYS O’NEILL takes a glimpse at what sort of line-up – without Cowboys allocations – coach Ty Willia
1 KHAN AHWANG With Linc Port bound for Easts, the mercurial flyer is a prime candidate to line up in his preferred position. Arguably possesses better ball-playing skills than the Hope Vale No.1, though may need to up his involvement. 2 LUKE GEORGE Set for a third sea- son at Barlow Park, the Englishman will again play a key role as a steady leader on the pitch and mentor off it. Played time in the backrow this year and could get more action there again. 3 JUSTIN CASTELLARO One of the competition’s most underrated players will again be one of the first picked in the backline. An influx of Cowboys might force a reshuffle, but either way Williams will be keen to get Castellaro in the 13. 4 SHAWN BOWEN The nephew of Matt could be the big winner from the exit of Greg Miglio. Has impressed coaches with his atti- tude and willingness to learn. His strong season in the CDRL for Mossman might be a good audition. 5 BRADLEY STEPHEN Back on the Pride books for the third time, the hugely talented Stephen can put one hand on a jumper with a strong pre-season given Williams is a big fan of his talents. Too good for the CDRL and his time might have come. 6 JORDAN BIONDI-ODO After years of shuffling between roles, may finally get a crack at No.6. Was set to start there last season until a late in- jury, but showed in the closing rounds that ISC is not beyond him. 7 JARED ALLEN Actually found another gear when teamed with BiondiOdo late and appears set for an extended run in the halves. Will be better for the experience of 2016 and his running game can add a different dynamic to the Pride. 8 SHELDON POWEHOBBS Initial fears he would be lost to the club were allayed, but Powe-Hobbs will know he needs to step up again in 2017. A starting role might be the ticket after two seasons spent being used mainly as an impact weapon. 9 RYAN GHIETTI
‘‘Mr Fixit’’ could start 2017 where he left off in 2016 and remains a handy fallback option in the halves. With no bench dummy-half in the mould of Denzel King this time, Ghietti could play even more minutes. 10 AIDAN DAY
So long the forgotten man of Far North footy, Day’s overhauled and matured mind- set means he’s perfectly placed to fulfil the role good judges have long said he’s made for. Can churn through minutes. 11 FRED KORABA
Grew impatient at times with a lack of footy, but proved ISC is not beyond him when given bite-sized chances. A year older and more experi- enced, Koraba may deliver his best under his Leps coach. 12 TOM HANCOCK
Grows in stature every season and will again be as- signed the role of midfield workhorse. Will be needed more than ever after the loss of forward teammates and shapes as one of the first names on the team sheet. 13 BEN REUTER
A broken ankle in the CDRL will hamper his pre-sea- son but hopes are it won’t hin- der him from getting a run in Round 1. Undersized but wholehearted and another fav- ourite of Williams at Innisfail.
14 COLIN WILKIE
Wilkie started last season unsure of how much time he would get but finished as a fixture. Another exodus of experience means the veteran utility will be among the leadership group. 15TROY
KAPEA Former Tully star returns after an ill-fated stint at Townsville and should earn the caps he would have got had he stayed in the Far North. Although 29, he has long been ready for ISC but chances depend on Cowboys allocations. 16 BRAD LUPI
The Mackay signing brings size and more experience, a key area the club lacked. Depth in the pack was tested when NRL players were not available, and Lupi will be key with Patrick Kaufusi expected less. 17 KEELAN WHITE
The player’s ability to fill multiple roles in the pack makes him a strong bench option. Has had intermittent starts at the Pride but his chance may come if he can produce another wholehearted pre-season.