Pride to guide players off field

MATTHEW MCINERNEY many life experiences,” Quinn said.

“If those players need advice from the financial point of view, looking at cars or a home, they’ll have someone who can offer guidance.

“A lot of players are from out of town and don’t have that local support.”

Quinn said the club was finalising details with an intention to launch in the next week. Phone business relationships officer Annette Jarrett on 0418 985 171 for details.

Meanwhile, while most eyes will be on the new halves pairing, it is at the back where another battle for a place in Northern Pride’s first-round team is taking place.

Matthew Musumeci will wear the Pride’s No.1 jersey, which he did twice last season, as he auditions for the custodian role against the Cairns Foley Shield team at Mossman Showgrounds today.

He is a player who coach Ty Williams rates so highly he believes Musumeci’s form is a large part of what took Tully to the CDRL grand final.

“He’s been a three-year work in progress. We plucked him from Tully and we’re starting to see the benefits now,” Williams said.

“His physique has changed, the way he plays his football has changed - I think he’s one of the main reasons Tully made the run to the finals, his footy was outstanding.

“With what he’s done this off-season, he’s put Jack Murphy under some pressure.”