PRIDE’S CASUALTY WARD

EARLY reports from the Pride camp suggest co-captain Dave Murphy will make his Intrust Super Cup return at Barlow Park this weekend, following a lengthy spell on the sideline due to a knee injury.

The key forward hasn’t laced up a boot in the first five rounds of the season, but after getting through last week’s full training regimen, confidence is high that Murphy’s name will appear on this week’s team list when it’s released this evening.

Should that be the case, the co-captain will make his return for the Pride in this Saturday’s clash with Souths-Logan, after snapping his posterior cruciate ligament in a pre-season trial in February.

While Northern Pride fans would’ve noticed the co-captain watching on from the grandstand at the Pride’s home games in rounds one and three, Saturday will be the first time Murphy takes the Barlow Park field since last year’s Round 24 10-10 stalemate with Tweed.

Speaking with the Cairns Post yesterday afternoon, Pride coach Ty Williams said the forward had one final test ahead of him before medical staff would be satisfied.

“He got through a full week of training with no issue, which is really promising,” said Williams.

“If he can get through his physio testing (on Monday night), he’ll be available for selection on Tuesday.”

While any time is a good time for your co-captain to make his return, Murphy’s comeback is a timely one for the Pride, with the side coming off three straight losses.

Should Murphy be available for selection this afternoon, it will be interesting to see how Williams wants to use him.

The versatile middle forward was a staple at the lock position late last season, but Cowboys allocation Peter Hola has made the No.13 jersey his own through five rounds of the competition.

The most likely scenario would see Murphy take Aidan Day’s spot in the front row, forcing the former Suburbs player to the bench.

It’s also possible that Murphy starts from the bench in his return.

“He’ll be a handy person to have back,” Williams said.

“In saying that, Tom Hancock’s done an outstanding job as a sole captain.

“They both seemed to have pushed forward with their leadership roles, which is good to see.”

The coach said there would be changes to his side ahead of Saturday’s clash, following the weekend’s 50-10 drubbing by Sunshine Coast. ROUND 6 TEAM LIST ONLINE FROM 6PM AT CAIRNSPOST.COM.AU/SPORT