PrideSPORT to defy injuries

THE Northern Pride have resisted the temptation to rest their wounded warriors against bottom-placed Mackay with captain Ryan Ghietti, Jack Campagnolo and Will Bugden all named for the weekend’s clash.

Ghietti failed to finish the Pride’s rousing 38-10 home victory over CQ Capras at Stan Williams Park on Saturday afternoon after he dislocated his shoulder in the first half.

Playmaker Campagnolo suffered a knock to his quad but played out the match while Bugden has struggled with a cracked sternum for much of the season.

But coach Ty Williams warned his players could ill afford to become complacent with the Cutters coming off a 16-all draw against secondplaced Redcliffe.

“The boys know that Mackay lift when they play Northern Pride,” he said.

“We’re wary of what they can do especially down in Mackay. It’s a tough ask.

“We fly in on the day, then fly out, so it’s always difficult.”

Seventh-gamer Campagnolo trained on Monday despite hobbling through the entire second half, Williams said.

“I thought Campo was in huge doubt but he’s been moving pretty well so I think he’ll be good to go,” he said.

“We’ve got to see how ‘Ghi- ets’ gets through the rest of the week. If he doesn’t get through (bench utility) Connor (Jones) will come in. We just need to manage him and we’ll know more at the end of the week. It’s touch and go at the moment.”

Second-rower Sheldon Powe-Hobbs looks set to miss his second straight with neck and collarbone complaints.

“I don’t like players getting needled every week. If he gets through the week, we’ll play him but if there are any niggles he won’t play again,” said Williams.