Sport
20 March, 2026
Pride sets pace for season
KENFROST Homes Northern Pride have opened their 2026 campaign with a full day of rugby league at Barlow Park, highlighted by a Hostplus Cup clash against the Tweed Seagulls, winning 30-24.
The round one fixture followed a series of academy matches against the Brisbane Tigers, with mixed results across the grades.
The under 17-girls were defeated 8-48 and the under-19 girls lost 4-54, while the under-17 boys secured a 14-8 win. The under-19 boys were beaten 12-26.
Chief executive officer Garreth Smith said the opening round showcased the club’s pathways and development.
“What a fantastic way to begin the 2026 season, with a full day of rugby league at Barlow Park showcasing the strength of our pathways and the passion of the Kenfrost Homes Northern Pride community,” he said.
Mr Smith said there were encouraging signs despite the mixed results.
The Hostplus Cup side faced Tweed Seagulls in what Mr Smith described as a hard-fought contest to open the tough and brutal 2026-27 campaign.
Head coach Sam Williams said the team took positives from the result.
“It is always nice to get the two points at this time of the season and build some momentum out of a big pre-season,” he said.
“We have a really big job ahead this week against the Blackhawks, so it is important to improve.
“Our Cowboys players have bought into the team and club and our locals complemented their flair with the tough work.”
Nearly 1500 spectators attended the opening round at Barlow Park, despite wet conditions, with Mr Smith thanking supporters.
The Pride now turn their attention to their first away game of the Hostplus Cup season, travelling to Townsville to face the Blackhawks on Saturday 21 March, with a 7pm kick-off.
All academy and HPC sides will also play away fixtures against the Blackhawks.
Mr Smith said the upcoming match would be another strong test for the squad, with the clubs’ meetings traditionally fiercely contested.
