Clash between once allies
Dear diary, it’s one more sleep before we put our former teammates on their backsides. If Northern Pride front rower Sheldon Powe-Hobbs (above centre) kept a diary, that’s what it might read. The international star has had Round 4 (v Easts Tigers) of the Intrust Super Cup in his mind since it was announced in December, marking the Pride’s first encounter with post2016 departures Jack Svendsen, David Murphy, Linc Port and Brayden Torpy.
DEAR diary, it’s one more sleep before we put our former teammates on their backsides.
If Northern Pride front rower Sheldon Powe-Hobbs kept a diary, that’s what it might read.
The international star has at least had Round 4 of the Intrust Super Cup in his mind since it was announced in December, marking the Pride’s first encounter with post-2016 departures Jack Svendsen, David Murphy, Linc Port and Brayden Torpy.
Powe-Hobbs said he’d had plenty of banter with his forward contemporaries and planned to show them who’s boss come tomorrow.
“To be honest I’ve had Round 5 pencilled in since the draw came out and obviously a few of the guys who went down there were good mates and I lived with Jack for a while and we’ve been at each other a bit this week,” he said.
“Not all of it has been PGrated. The general gist of it is whoever has the ball is going to cop a flogging.”
All jokes aside, Murphy’s departure arguably gave Powe-Hobbs the opportunity to secure a starting spot.
Graham Clark may not have had the chance to return to the Far North without Murphy and Svendsen’s exit, while Jared Allen has been able to stake his claim for the No.7 since Torpy moved.
Khan Ahwang has also returned to his preferred position of fullback replacing Linc Port, who coincidentally has been named on the wing for tomorrow’s TV clash.
Powe-Hobbs said whatever the motivation this weekend, players knew they had to perform after some “home truths” within the squad during the week about a lack of execution in the opening rounds.