Tom the Pride’s steady hand
WHEN Thomas Steadman moved to Cairns to play for the Northern Pride this year, he was chasing the chance to develop his craft and give himself the best opportunity to earn a crack at the NRL.
Now, just 13 games into his Intrust Super Cup career, he has been told to take control of the Pride as they look to shake off a three-game slide and fight their way to the finals.
The Pride are eighth and two points clear of the Falcons, but face a tricky run home with five of their six remaining games against teams above them on the ladder.
The sixth in that series is next week’s home game against Sunshine Coast.
And Steadman has been trusted to lead the Pride.
A shoulder injury suffered against PNG Hunters is expected to keep Matt Egan on the shelf for the next six weeks, with Evan Child to move from the centre and start in the familiar role of halfback.
Child will be Steadman’s fourth halves partner this year, with Jake Clifford (Newcastle), Ben Hampton (injury) and Egan (injury) all having played their part in the primary playmaking position. But coach Ty Williams said this was Steadman’s time to take the reins.
“He probably needs to be the dominant half, the shotcaller for us,” Williams said.
“Knowing he’s been there all year, that’s something that I’ve spoken to him about: let Ev play what he sees in front of him but you guide us around the park.
“I think that’s the key role Tommy plays, and Ev doesn’t have to overplay his hand – if he sees something, he has a go at it. And that’s the key area I’ll keep reiterating to those lads.”
Child moved to halfback for the second half of the 34-22 loss to PNG last week, and while the undermanned home side didn’t come home with the two competition points, Williams liked what he saw from Child despite his long shift in the centres this season.
“I thought he managed the game pretty well in the second half, in periods,” Williams said.
“Considering he’s been playing left centre for six weeks now. Evan gets his chance to guide the team around at his more favourable position as left half.”
Prop Rod Griffin has been named on the bench in his return from suspension but could start despite Paea Pua being named in the No.10, while Jayden Corrigan should return to fullback.
Matthew Musumeci will start on the wing, with co-captain Chris Ostwald named on the bench in his second game back from injury. Tom McGrath has also been named on an extended bench for the first time since an adductor injury.