Sport
25 July, 2025
Pride hit the road to Yarrabah for clash against Burleigh
THE Northern Pride will take on the Burleigh Bears in Yarrabah this Saturday, as part of Queensland Rugby League’s 2025 Country Week celebrations.
Both Pride sides hit the road last weekend, with mixed results at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
The HPC men suffered a heavy 42-4 defeat at the hands of the Falcons, while the BMD women’s team clawed their way to a 22-20 win over their southern rivals.
This weekend’s Hostplus Cup fixture will kick off at 5.45pm at Jilara Oval, one of seven regional venues selected for this year’s round, which celebrates grassroots rugby league and the communities that fuel it.
The match marks a special homecoming for many Pride players and shines a spotlight on Yarrabah – a proud rugby league town celebrating its 25th year in the Cairns District Rugby League competition.
Northern Pride board member Leon Yeatman, a co-founder of the Yarrabah Seahawks and former CEO of Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council, said the game was a tribute to the town’s deep league roots.
“Yarrabah is a proud rugby league community with deep ties to our club,” he said.
“This opportunity recognises the efforts and hard work by the Seahawks committee, their sponsors, players and members to promote our game.”
“It’s a privilege to bring the Hostplus Cup back here. Together we celebrate what makes our game so special — community, connection, and country pride.”
The Pride’s last ‘Country Week’ match in Yarrabah was in 2013.
Twelve years later, they return to a vibrant Indigenous community known for its fierce support and footballing passion.
Pride CEO Garreth Smith said the players were eager to connect with the region.
“Playing in front of family and friends in Yarrabah is incredibly special for many of our players,” he said.
“It’s a grounding and inspiring experience that reminds us who we’re playing for.”
In the lead-up, the team has been running junior clinics, attending community events and working with local volunteers. Country Week has brought elite footy to more than 60 towns across Queensland since its inception, strengthening ties between clubs and their communities.
Fans from across Far North Queensland are encouraged to make the short trip to be part of the festivities.
