Pride boss back at shop
NORTHERN Pride CEO Greg Dowling is spending time at his Townsville chicken shop after being granted leave while the club looks to secure sponsors for 2019 in his absence.
Dowling stormed out of a fiery meeting with chairman Tony Williamson earlier this month that turned into a shouting match on the balcony of the club’s Barlow Park headquarters.
The club’s top boss then notified the club he would be tak- ing stress leave, with the Pride expecting him to return by August 13. In a further twist, the former Bronco’s daughter, Lauren, who works as the club’s finance manager, tendered her resignation on Monday.
The Bulletin understands Dowling has been working at the Townsville fast food restaurant he owns in the meantime, with customers recognising the famous former prop behind the counter.
When contacted yesterday afternoon, Dowling said he “cannot comment on the Pride due to legal advice”, but looked forward to resolving the matter.
But the former rugby league star could be forced to answer to the Pride’s board next month in relation to a series of performance- related issues arising from his time with the Intrust Super Cup club.
Since Dowling was appointed to the role in October 2016, the Pride has struggled to lure sponsors, including former naming rights backer SeaSwift, who split with the club in 2017.
Sources within the club have also cited Dowling’s at times abrasive approach as causing fractures within the community during his tenure.
The Pride’s playing group are also understood to be frustrated over changes made to their playing contracts during the preseason.
“The whole process wasn’t very transparent,” one player said. “What was spoken about and what was signed off on were two very different things.
“There were differences in the letter of offer and the contracts we signed.
“Medical ( cover) was included in our letters of offer and then that was changed without any players being told.
“We said to Greg that we didn’t think it was reasonable but he wouldn’t budge.
“A few players had a sour taste in their mouths after that. We didn’t even know they’d changed the medical stuff.”
The Pride’s board met on Wednesday and appointed Cairns businessman Mark Quinn as the club’s new commercial manager.
While Dowling takes leave Quinn has been given a mandate to improve the club’s relationship with its sponsors and enhance its “game day experience”.
“I’m meeting with the volunteers, playing group and sponsors to see what they like and what they need to get more people involved in the club,” Quinn said.
The Pride will reapply for its licence to play in the Intrust Super Cup competition at the end of this season with the QRL seeking a watertight application.