Pride find spot for stalwart
NO-FRILLS workhorse Nathan Wales’ rugby league career came to a crossroads at the end of last season but Northern Pride coach Ty Williams has found a place for the muchloved veteran.
A dodgy knee has forced the second rower to retire but the 26-year-old will remain at Barlow Park next season as the strength and conditioning coach for the club’s fledgling under 18s and 20s stars.
Williams said the 190cm man mountain, who comfortably bench pressed 140kg last season, was the ideal man for the job.
“He’s a big lump of a fella and he was outstanding in the gym,” he said of the Bentley Park College teacher.
“He’s always been very meticulous. The young boys would have seen him play and how he goes about it over the years.
“Seeing how he delivered messages led me to think he might be the right man for the job. The technique based stuff in the gym he excels at. With that teacher background, I think that’s a huge plus.”
The Pride’s player inductions will start tonight with preseason training kicking off on Monday.
“We won’t be easing into it either,” Williams said. “We’ll be ripping straight in.”
Key recruits Cameron and Brayden Torpy won’t start until the following week due to work commitments.