Impossible all in day’s work for Pride

THE Northern Pride’s working class heroes didn’t waste any time picking up their tools after putting in a memorable blue collar performance against the Burleigh Bears at the weekend.

The Pride faced a massive logistical challenge to get to the Gold Coast for Saturday’s televised 1pm match with several players racing from work to Cairns Airport on Friday evening to catch the 7.30pm flight to Brisbane.

After landing at 10pm, the team took a bus to the Gold Coast and checked-in close to midnight.

Coach Ty Williamson had the team back on the bus by 10am to head to Pizzey Park.

Pride chairman Tony Williamson said he admired the way so many of the club’s stars juggled full-time work with their Intrust Super Cup commitments.

“It’s just the nature of the competition we’re in and the fact that we live in Queensland,” Williamson said. After the 30-28 win, the players hopped in the bus again and started the long journey home, arriving in Cairns after midnight on Sunday morning.

Hardworking hooker and real estate agent Connor Jones was back in the office Sunday morning.

“Connor is doing inspections and trying to sell homes,” Williamson said. “I’m sure he’s hoping his enthusiasm overrides his tiredness. Sheldon and Ryan run their own business, so they’ll be back at it.

“A lot of our guys live in Tully, Mission Beach and on the Atherton Tableland, too.

“I just think the boys really played an outstanding game.”