Sport
19 June, 2026
Facing tough battle in PNG
NORTHERN Pride coach Sam Williams says his side is refreshed and ready for a demanding second half of the Hostplus Cup season as the team prepares to travel to Papua New Guinea this weekend.
The Pride return from a bye round ahead of Sunday’s clash with the PNG Hunters in Port Moresby, with Mr Williams saying the break came at an important time.
“With 10 of our next 11 weeks featuring games, it was probably our last opportunity for the lads to freshen up and reset before the run home,” Mr Williams said.
“There’s a really demanding block of football ahead, so it was important we used the bye well and come back ready to go.”
Several Hostplus Cup players returned to local rugby league during the break, continuing the connection between the Pride program and rugby league clubs across Far North Queensland.
The club also celebrated a breakthrough result for its BMD Premiership side, which secured its first win of the season with a 24-14 victory over the WM Seagulls.
Mr Williams said the win reflected the hard work of the squad and coaching staff led by head coach Colin Wilkie.
“It was great to see the girls get their first win. The effort and intent they’ve been showing is building each week, and that performance is something they can really grow from,” Mr Williams said.
The BMD Premiership team sits ninth on the ladder following the result, while the Hostplus Cup side is seventh after the bye round.
Attention now turns to PNG Hunters, with Mr Williams expecting a physical contest, despite the Hunters sitting at the bottom of the ladder.
“The Hunters are always a tough side, especially at home,” Mr Williams said.
“We know we’ll need to match their intensity from the start and make sure we’re ready for a very physical contest.”
Mr Williams said the Hunters had remained competitive throughout the season and would present a significant challenge in front of their home crowd.
The club’s upcoming home fixtures include Rivalry Round in the Kenfrost Homes Cup on 27 June and Indigenous Round in the Skytrans Cup on 4 July.
Supporters are also being encouraged to travel to Innisfail for Country Round on 25 July.
