New era for league in FNQ

A TAKEOVER of the Cairns-based Northern Pride rugby league club by North Queensland Cowboys makes a lot of sense.

It gives the franchise more financial security as well as a solid base for its future.

It will strengthen its feeder role and provide players and staff with a career path.

The buy-out could also consolidate a proposal by Mayor Bob Manning for a second NRL team to be based in Cairns in a deal with Papua New Guinea’s Hunters league side.

Some will oppose the takeover, arguing Cairns will lose its identity and the deal could be seen as a Big Brother coup by Townsville.

But Pride chairman Tony Williamson says the licence will only be handed over under certain conditions with the club to retain its branding, team colours and identity into the future.

While the Cowboys are Townsville-based it has been a franchise for all of north Queensland.

There is a solid supporter base in Cairns and further afield across Far North Queensland.

The Cowboys have been financially successful and they need to expand and diversify their assets.

The bid is unprecedented. There are no Intrust Super Cup teams affliated with an NRL team and could pave the way for other clubs as well.

The new management structure will bring a new level of professionalism and organisation to the Pride.

The proposal is subject to a feasibility study to be presented to the Cowboys board in June after consultation with sponsors and community stakeholders

Their involvement with Pride can only be good for rugby league in Cairns. Nick Dalton Deputy editor