Sport
14 August, 2026
Pride in final three games of season
NORTHERN Pride will return to Barlow Park this Saturday to face the Burleigh Bears as both squads enter the final three games of the regular season.
The Pride’s BMD Premiership women head into the clash sitting seventh on the ladder after defeating the Tigers 26-14 in their last outing.
Northern Pride’s Colin Wilkie said he was pleased with how the side handled the challenge, particularly against quality opposition.
A major positive was the Pride’s second-half defence, with the team finding ways to stop tries and hold its line when under pressure.
With players returning from the Cowboys system, Mr Wilkie has also been impressed by how quickly they have fitted back into the squad, helped by their previous experience alongside many of the Pride players.
He also highlighted the continued development of Nadia Windleborn, particularly her contact, willingness to defend and ability to make an impact despite being one of the smaller players on the field.
The BMD competition remains tight, with NRLW players returning to strengthen teams across the competition. With three games remaining, the Pride remains in contention heading into the final rounds.
The Hostplus Cup side will be looking to bounce back against Burleigh after falling 42-12 to the Tigers last weekend, a result which leaves the Pride 10th on the ladder.
Northern Pride head coach Sam Williams described the performance as uncharacteristic for a team that has competed strongly throughout the season.
He wants the group to return to what has worked throughout the year by playing for each other, sticking to their systems, and working their way back into games as a team rather than trying to solve problems individually.
The Bears will provide another major test as defending premiers, with experience throughout their squad including players coming through the Broncos system. However, Mr Williams’ focus remains on the Pride returning to the football they have produced throughout the season.
