Young’s proving a winner for Pride
Speedster seizes his shot
Rhy Young is a man making the most of every opportunity.
The winger is in the midst of a breakout Hostplus Cup season with the Northern Pride, and while it may be seen as jumping the gun after just three games, the speedster is doing all he can to remain in the state league side.
Young has been part of the Pride’s Hostplus Cup squad for the past 18 months, with two summers spent with the Ty Williams-coached squad for the pre-season, but now he’s finally had an opportunity to showcase his ability on the state league stage, he is making every game a winner.
On Saturday, against the tough PNG Hunters team known for their physicality, Young produced his best yet, running for 180m (67m postcontact) and crossing for his first Hostplus Cup try.
Williams described Young’s growth over the past few weeks, let alone the 18 months he’s worked with the young flyer, as sensational.
“I had him in for his individual review, and he sits there and kicks himself and it’s like he can’t believe how far he’s come, but that’s what happens when you get into a semi-professional environment and you work hard,” Williams said.
That try against the Hunters could also be seen as a reward for his exemplary attitude.
Young travelled with the Pride as 18th man for the round 2 clash with the Capras, was brought on to the bench after a late injury but then was forced to sit and watch the entire 24-4 loss as he wasn’t called upon.
Others have lost face in that situation, but Young appears to have used that as fuel.
“He didn’t kick any stones,” Williams said.
“He was picked as 18th man – he was on the bench actually, we called him in late and he didn’t even get to play.
“He’s continued to work and we’ve seen progression after progression, then Saturday night was sensational against a fairly-big bodied PNG team, that whole right edge has been really good for us.
“The leadership qualities (centre) Rashaun Denny has shown to help Rhy out is exactly what we’ve been chasing.
“They’ve got a really good combo at the moment.
“If you’re an Ivanhoes supporter you’d love him to be back there, but at the moment he’s a Northern Pride player and he’s doing everything possible to stay there.”
Denny was recruited to the Pride for his ability and experience on the field, having been part of premiership and national championship teams with Norths, but it’s also what he does off the field which has been a big piece in his success.
“He’s got a wealth of experience with semi-finals, grand finals state and national championships, but it’s the stuff he does off the field, is also important,” Williams said.
“You can see him having conversations with Rhy and giving him confidence.
“On the flip side, Rhy has been so positive with everything he’s done.
“Sometimes, and it’s in every competitive environment, you can get down, you can get negative, but he’s one of the guys who picks the group back up … it’s what we’re about.”