Pride will go ahead in one-off challenge
THE Northern Pride will not entertain the possibility of games against Intrust Super Cup rivals Townsville Blackhawks and Mackay Cutters this year.
The Pride’s North Queensland counterparts have been discussing ways of getting their teams back on the field, with an aim to play against each other from mid-august.
Blackhawks football operations manager Adrian Thomson said the club would reach out to the Pride this week to give them the option of participating.
However, Pride chairman Tony Williamson said the club had plans for a return to the field as early as next month.
“The Pride is all about doing the best thing for rugby league in Far North Queensland — nothing short of that,” he said.
“The Intrust Super Cup competition was cancelled in March, effective immediately, so there’s no talk about the Pride playing against the Blackhawks or the Cutters because that competition has been closed down, cancelled, kaput.”
The Pride were announced last week as being one of the three Far North clubs that will compete in a one-off rugby league series from next month.
A joint-effort between the CDRL and the Pride, the Lightning Challenge will kick off on August 8 and comprise six rounds of double-headers.
The Pride will enter two sides into the four-team competition, with CDRL clubs Brothers Cairns and Tully Tigers fielding a side each.
Williamson said Pride players would be given the option of playing in the Challenge.
“It’s totally optional if they want to play or not, because they won’t be paid,” he said.