PRIDE PLAYERS IN CDRL TO BOOST COMP

ROWAN SPARKES

NORTHERN Pride players are holding out hope for a return to the footy field in 2020.

The immediate playing future of the Pride’s roster was uncertain following the QRL’s decision to cancel its four statewide competitions, including the Intrust Super Cup, as a result of the coronavirus last month.

However,

Pride players could still get the chance to play regular rugby league in 2020 with clubs in the Cairns and District Rugby League – if and when the local competition kicks off.

Coach Ty Williams said it was “a bit of light at the end of the tunnel”.

“Even though it’s only a fine bit, hopefully we can play some football later in the year,” he said.

“With the possibility that it does eventuate, then all our players will be available to go back and play in the local competition.

“I think everybody, it’s important for just with what everyone’s going through at the moment, to get out there and get some enjoyment back into it.

“Obviously it’s a tough situation everybody’s in, but I think whether you’re Rod Griffin or Tom McGrath or, to an extent, our under-18s squad, I think they’ll just be excited to be back out there.

“If anything, they’ll probably come through the other side and appreciate what they’ve got more than they ever had before.”

Williams said he had been impressed by the players’ ability to adapt in tough and uncertain times.

“We’re very fortunate at the moment that the majority of our boys are still working at some capacity, whether it’s full-time or part-time,” he said.

“They’ve still been doing a fair bit of training and whatever else is required to keep themselves in shape.

“Their attitudes have been first-class and they’ve got to be commended for that. Whether it’s football-related or job-related, guys have been putting their hands up and been doing what they have to do.

“I’m very proud of where they’re heading and what they’re doing at the moment.”

The CDRL remains hopeful of running a 2020 season in some capacity and has identified three possible options, including a full home-and-away season, one full round of fixtures and a conference system which will split the teams based on geography.

In any case, the season would not be able to start prior to June 1, after the QRL extended the postponement of community rugby league due to the impact of the coronavirus last week.

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