Quinn: Schonig to stay at Pride
NEWLY appointed Northern Pride chief executive Mark Quinn has put to bed Darryn Schonig’s bewildering contract woes, declaring the giant prop a required player in 2019 despite a drama-filled off-season.
Quinn, officially appointed to the role this week after acting as interim CEO since August, confirmed yesterday the Pride would keep the contracted front-rower with a view to developing him into an NRL-level player this season.
The top boss said he reaffirmed his stance after meeting with club officials including coach Ty Williams and chairman Tony Williamson last night at Barlow Park.
“We’re optimistic we can resolve our differences and patch things up,” Quinn said. “Darryn’s got a fantastic support network here and we think he’s got the potential to have a very good season for the Pride.
“At the end of the day, we want to give young talented players a pathway to the NRL and we think we can do that with Darryn.”
The Bentley Park College teacher’s aide signed a one-year deal with the Sunshine Coast Falcons earlier this month, despite already committing to play in the Far North next year.
Under the terms of the Falcons deal, the former Australian schoolboys representative could have trained with the Melbourne Storm prior to Christmas before featuring in an NRL trial match in February.
Schonig’s management, who were unaware their client was under contract, tried to negotiate a payout with the Pride last week but failed.
It is understood the Cowboys, the Pride’s NRL affiliate, have offered him additional support but cannot give him a “trial and train” run this preseason.
“We fully expect this season to be Darryn’s breakout year and the Pride to have the best forward pack in the competition with Darryn part of it,” Williamson said.
While more appointments on and off the field are yet to be made, Quinn said the club couldn’t lose sight of its need to improve its relationship with its fans and the community.
“When I first turned up here, I spent a lot of time talking to people and I realised how much people want to support us. We just need to give that love back a little bit,” he said. “We have to get out there in the community and let people know we’re out there.
“I think that will translate into improving our game day attendance as well.
“I feel like we’re trending in the right direction. My main role now is securing the longterm stability of the club.”
Williamson said Quinn beat 38 other applicants for the CEO role.
“Mark as the interim CEO secured new sponsorship and re-engaged some of our other stakeholders,” he said.
“His commercial reputation in the Far North and experience running businesses got him over the line. We think he can sell the Pride product better than anyone.”