Williams expects Pride to fore for players in FNQRL
NORTHERN Pride players who suit up in the FNQ Rugby League from this weekend will be expected to uphold the values and high standards of the Hostplus Cup club.
Coach Ty Williams has ensured his players are fully across what he expects out of them in the first weekend where those not on Pride duty will get game time through the FNQRL. All Pride-contracted players, with the exception of those who are suspended or injured, or those allocated to Southern Suburbs, will suit up this weekend.
Suburbs have a first-round bye, with Kenneth Fonoti one of the only fit Pride players set to sit out.
But Williams has put his playing squad on notice.
“I’m expecting the boys to all play unless suspended or injured,” Williams said. “I expect them to hold their values and standards that we do at the Northern Pride when they go back to local clubs.
“I’m expecting a high benchmark, that’s what I need from them, that’s the important message I’m pushing to them knowing that, at the drop of the hat, they can be called into the Cup team.
“They need to know that and work towards it.
“It’s exciting, everyone is playing some sort of football and I’m sure the boys will be keen to be back out there, whether it’s with us or a local club.”
The Pride will play the Capras at Rockhampton on Saturday, though players outside of the travelling party will suit up for clubs in the first round of the FNQRL A-grade competition.
It has been three weeks since the Pride’s pre-season trial against the Blackhawks in Townsville, which was the last opportunity for those not in the side which beat the Cutters in Mackay to play footy.
“It’s a big thing for us,” he said. “It’s been three weeks since we played the Hawks; now we’ll have 30-plus players, and some of the 21s (playing). It gives a good opportunity for the boys to rep it up, also get game time under their belt.”