Reward for Pride tryscorers

Crucial tries in Northern Pride’s first ever win against the Blackhawks at Barlow Park were just reward for months of hard work for Denzel King and Daniel Hindmarsh.

Pride halfback Evan Child kicked an 80th minute field goal to clinch a remarkable 13-12 win on Saturday, with the home side overcoming the 12on-13 disadvantage after Harry Freebairn’s 71st minute sinbinning to hold on for victory.

King and Hindmarsh deserve their share of the spotlight, and coach Ty Williams was impressed by their efforts.

For King, it’s been a tough few years but he’s forced his way back into the Pride’s Hostplus Cup side and proved he belongs in the state league.

He returned to the Pride side for the first time in 14 months a week ago, and his persistent, consistent efforts over the past few months were rewarded in the form a four-pointer.

“He got his opportunity against the Capras and I thought he performed really well,” Williams said. “His life journey has been up and down but he’s in a really good position at the moment, and it’s showing with his football.”

Hindmarsh picked up his life in London and moved across the world to Cairns for an opportunity, and he’s played his way into being one of the most consistent in the Far North - at any level.

He’s tireless on both sides of the ball, and on Saturday ran for a game-high 177m from 20 possessions - topped with a try under the sticks which gave the Pride their late lead.

“We probably don’t give Dan the credit he deserves,” Williams said.

“He travelled across the world for an opportunity and landed at Brothers, and it didn’t take long for him to fit into what we’re about. He leaves everything out there every week. That effort to get over, he was on his last legs then - I was about to take him off. The tank was empty but he found that little bit more.”

The Pride will enjoy a light week for the Easter break, and return to Barlow Park on April 15 to host PNG Hunters.