Musu on wing in Pride call-up

NORTHERN Pride coach Ty Williams has been forced to make one change from last Saturday’s Round 1 line-up that defeated the reigning premiers Redcliffe at Barlow Park.

With North Queensland Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt going down with a groin strain, Cowboys coach Paul Green named Pride allocations Javid Bowen and Nene Macdonald in his NRL side for this weekend’s season-opening clash with the Dragons.

Macdonald will make a return to the top level, following a blockbuster performance for the Pride on Saturday night.

His promotion to the Cowboys’ NRL side opens the door for Matthew Musumeci to slot onto the wing.

After playing three games for the club in 2018, Musumeci will wear a Pride jumper for a first time in the 2019 season at Port Moresby’s Oil Search National Football Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Williams said the Tully Tigers ace was unlucky to miss out in the first round.

“He trialled really well (and) he gets his opportunity now,” said Williams.

“It gives us a fairly good back three in (Gideon GelaMosby), Murphy and Musu.”

The coach said the Tully Tigers’ 2018 Player of the Year was “disappointed” when he missed out on the Pride’s starting 17 last week.

“I’m glad a young guy like (Musumeci) has enough confidence to come and talk to me and ask me where he needs to better,” Williams said.

“I said: ‘Mate, you’re inches away – but the moment you get your opportunity, you need to take it with both hands’, and I know Musu will do that.”

Musumeci will return to Port Moresby after playing for the Pride in last year’s Round 18 clash against the Hunters. The Hunters won 18-8. “Last time he played in PNG it was a tough day out for him,” said Williams.

“This time, I’m sure he’ll be better for the experience and I’m excited to see how the kid goes.”