Pride’s energy offsets experience lost
MATTHEW MCINERNEY WHAT the Northern Pride have lost in experience they will gain in excitement and enthusiasm, according to coach Ty Williams.
With a departure lounge headed by former captain Ryan Ghietti and prop Darryn Schonig, the Pride have lost immense Intrust Super Cup experience from the playing ranks. Rather than hit the panic button, coach Williams has constructed a team which may not top a career games stat column, but will almost certainly fill the win column.
It is why, despite some interruptions, Williams is confident in his side’s chances this season.
The preseason has progressed mostly as planned, with Saturday’s three-way trial with Townsville Blackhawks and Mackay Cutters washed out due to Townsville’s historic floods.
“It’s been a solid off-season, it’s a different type of preseason to what we’ve done before,” Williams said.
“We’ve learned a lot in the past 18 months.
“Losing a lot of experienced guys is difficult, but with that youth comes energy and enthusiasm.”
With Saturday’s trial cancelled, the Pride will support junior rugby league sign-on days across the region.
They’ll get stuck into work at Barlow Park next week, ahead of their first hitout against Mossman Sharks and the Cairns Foley Shield side at Mossman Showgrounds on February 16.