Challenge showdown for Bowen and Carroll

NORTHERN Pride’s Javid Bowen and Townsville Blackhawks’ Michael Carroll are set to go head-to-head in a tantalising match-up to headline the penultimate round of the Lightning Challenge.

Bowen has been named at centre for the Pride Giants and will line up against Intrust Super Cup rival Carroll when his side takes on a confident Tully Tigers outfit at Stan Williams Park today.

Carroll, an Innisfail product and former Cowboys NYC player, has been playing for Tully during the six-week rugby league series.

The pair would have crossed paths in this year’s Intrust Super Cup, but never got the chance after the Queensland Rugby League cancelled the 2020 season in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“There will be a pretty good contest there,” Pride coach Ty Williams said.

“Micky’s a local Innisfail boy, he’s come through the Pride system, and he’s probably been one of Tully’s best over the last four weeks.

“He’s showcased his skill, which he’s picked up during his time with the Cowboys and the Blackhawks, so that will be an exciting clash.”

The Pride teams will also switch up their halves pairings, with Matthew Egan to partner Dmitri Ahwang and Evan Child to play alongside Jack Campagnolo.

“Those guys haven’t played together,” Williams said. “As I said in the past, it ain’t about winning for us, it’s about getting those combinations right.”

The sixth and final round of the Lightning Challenge will be held in Tully next Saturday.