Sport
10 April, 2021
Northern Pride Round 3: Cliffo's Back
TULLY Tigers junior Jake Clifford joins the Northern Pride for this weekend’s home game clash against Wynnum-Manly Seagulls.
Clifford is no stranger to the Intrust Super Cup having played 23 games previously with the Northern Pride.
Clifford was dropped from the Cowboys team last week, after Pride half back Ben Hampton was promoted.
The Pride will set their game up a little differently to cater for the strengths and skills Cifford will bring to the team.
Pride Coach Ty Williams, believes they will play to Clifford’s strengths.
“We need to work to Cliffo’s strengths, which is running the football and kicking the football well,” he said.
“I’m sure Jake has a few areas he needs to work on to get back into the NRL squad, and I’ll be pushing that pretty hard with him. Structurally, they play similar roles, he and Hamster, but we need to keep it simple with Cliffo.”
Clifford has signed for the 2022 season with Newcastle Knights, a decision that could see a different approach by him to this ISC relegation. With less pressure and a certain 2022 season ahead, Clifford could relax and play his natural game, an outcome Williams would love to see.
“Previously when he’s come back he’s overthought it, and thought I have to play everything right now,” Williams said.
“It’s a time process with him. He knows where he’s heading in the next two years, but his sole focus this Saturday is the Pride and getting back to the NRL squad.”
The Northern Pride welcome debut player, Grant Anderson paired with Bernard Lewis. Anderson originally from the Newcastle Knights Under 20s, where he started as a forward before moving to the backs.
Coach Ty Williams needed additional options and another outside back on the back of Javid Bowen taking up a contract with the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys. Williams said, “Grant isn’t pigeonholed to one position and can cover several which is the exciting thing for the team”.
It will be a strong battle, third v fourth, with Wynnum-Manly two from two and featuring a strong team with several veteran NRL players.
Issac Luke is starting from the bench for the Seagulls. A late season signing in 2020 for Brisbane, Luke brings 280 plus NRL games experience to the Seagulls lineup.
THE SQUAD
Round 3 v Wynnum-Manly Seagulls at Barlow Park.
Northern Pride
1. Jayden Corrigan, 2. Shawn Bowen, 3. Grant Anderson, 4. Bernard Lewis, 5. Matthew Musumeci, 6. Tom Steadman, 7. Jake Clifford, 8. Rod Griffin, 9. Chris Ostwald, 10. Nick Lui-Toso, 11. Joshua Stuckey, 12. Pete Hola, 13. Tom McGrath, 14. Jayden Hodges, 15. Heilum Luki, 16. Jeremiah Nanai, 17. Ewan Moore, 18. Terrence Casey-Douglas, 19. Evan Child, 20. Matthew Egan, 21. Mark Rosendale.
Wynnum-Manly Seagulls
1. Selwyn Cobbo, 2. Edward Burns, 3. Delouise Hoeter, 4. Junior Pauga, 5. Matthew Lyons, 6. Jack Campagnolo, 7. Sam Scarlett, 8. Aaron Rockley, 9. Jayden Berrell, 10. Maz Elliott, 11. Teurui Robati, 12. Matiu Love-Henry, 13. Luke Bateman, 14. Issac Luke, 15. Lachlan Lee, 16. Lucky Taavale, 17. Lazarus Vaalepu, 18. Tristan Hope, 19. Kauri Aupouri-Puketapu.
