Fixture clash puts FNQ Rugby grand final in limbo

FNQ Rugby officials will need to revisit their grand final plans for next season after a major fixture clash which has left Barlow Park unavailable on their desired date.

The Queensland Rugby League released the draw for the Intrust Super Cup on FriTHIS day, with the Northern Pride set to start their season on the road for the first two weeks.

But it’s at the other end of the season where a fixture clash could force FNQ Rugby’s decider to be played at another venue, and a North Queensland clash of champions to be delayed at least one week.

FNQ Rugby had already pencilled in August 29 as a potential date for their grand final, which will be played at Barlow Park, with a contest against the premiers from Townsville & District Rugby Union the following week.

But the Pride are locked in to play at Barlow Park on August 29, leaving the FNQ Rugby grand final either homeless for now, or moved to another date entirely.

The Pride will face Norths Devils in their last game of the regular season, a game the club will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of its maiden premiership with an Old Boys’ Day.

The Pride beat Norths to win their first Queensland Cup title in 2010, and the fixture was one of the only games and dates the club specifically requested, and QRL officials duly delivered on their request.

The 2010 triumph was an against-the-odds affair which has gone done in Intrust Super Cup history as one of the great rugby league campaigns.

The Pride languished towards the bottom of the ladder with a 3-5 record after eight games, but recovered to finish fourth at the end of the regular season. The Pride, captained by halfback Chris Sheppard, put together a 12-game winning run which included a dominant win against the minor premier Souths Logan in the semi-final before a 30-20 defeat of Norths Devils in the grand final.

FNQ Rugby officials will now revisit the draw, which is expected to be completed and released in the New Year.