PRIDE THUMP TOWNSVILLE
AN all-time great is watching Jake Clifford from above and if he’s half as good, a long NRL career awaits.
The Cowboys-contracted halfback has steered the Northern Pride to back-toback wins for the first time since 2016, using family as inspiration every step of the way.
The 20-year-old’s grandad Danny Clifford is regarded as one of the best props in the history of rugby league in North Queensland and the toughness he displayed is something the No.7 hopes to replicate every time he takes the field.
“He’s my dad’s dad, so he had a big part in my footy career before he passed and when he was around he’d always help me out after a game and was a very big influence on me and my dad as well,” Clifford said.
“You could say he was a big part of my footy and he’s watching from above now.
“I heard he was a tough player and that’s what I try to do every week.”
The Tully young gun said he wanted to grow with every game to both help his team and honour the sacrifices of his family to put him on the path to the NRL.
“There’s always coaches that have helped me out at the Cowboys, but then again my family are my biggest influence,” Clifford said.
“When I was in Tully, we were travelling to Cairns three times a week to play for the Pride 16s and 18s so after the dedication of my family, I can’t pay them back enough.”