Dowling to quit Pride
Formal parting of ways expected in days
THE Northern Pride are expected to formally part ways this week with chief executive Greg Dowling after progress in negotiations with the former State of Origin legend.
Mr Dowling took stress leave from the club after a heated argument over his performance in the role last month.
His daughter, Lauren, resigned from her position as the club’s finance manager soon after. It’s understood discussions advanced significantly on Tuesday, with both parties hoping to sign off on paperwork in the coming days.
The Pride’s legal representative, Sam McIvor of Mullins Law, based in Brisbane, said discussions had been conducted in a professional manner.
“Both parties are engaging in negotiations and remain hopeful of an outcome,” Mr McIvor said.
When contacted by the Cairns Post, Mr Dowling’s representative, Gold Coast-based industrial relations expert John Salter of BT Lawyers said both parties were negotiating via email.
“These are highly confidential discussions between ourselves and the Pride’s legal advisers,” Mr Salter said.
“I’ve given undertakings to the Pride and Greg has given undertakings that there will be no comment during the ongoing negotiations.
“I think there can be a resolution. I can’t put a time frame on it but I would hope it is reasonably quick.”
The potential deal means the Pride can appoint a chief executive and finance manager in the coming weeks as the team prepares for finals action this September.
The fourth-placed Pride, who demolished CQ Capras 38-10 at the weekend, play bottom-placed Mackay Cutters at BB Print Stadium on Saturday night.
The Pride play two more home games against Redcliffe Dolphins and Tweed Heads Seagulls to round out their season.