Sport
24 July, 2026
Pride take on Norths Devils in Brisbane
NORTHERN Pride are heading to Brisbane with the aim of building on a strong Hostplus Cup performance after recording mixed results against the Western Clydesdales.
The Pride’s Hostplus Cup side defeated the Western Clydesdales 32-12, while the club’s BMD Premiership team suffered a narrow 27-26 loss. Both senior teams will now travel to Brisbane to face the Norths Devils.
Hostplus Cup coach Sam Williams said his side showed resilience after conceding two early tries.
“They’re tricky at the best of times and they started well,” he said.
“There’s not a lot you can do around some of those moments. You’ve just got to cop them and focus on what we’re doing.”
Fullback Ethan King starred in the victory with two tries and a strong defensive display.
“He’s a real professional. He studies his game, he studies the opposition, and everything you ask of him out there, he does,” Mr Williams said.
The coach also praised 19-year-old Taylan To’a after his first Hostplus Cup appearance on the road.
“It’s not easy coming in on a Friday and meeting a new group, especially when you’re only 19, but he went out there and did his job.”
Looking ahead to this weekend, Mr Williams said: “Norths are a big club down there and they’re always tough to beat at home. We need to be at our best.”
BMD Premiership coach Colin Wilkie said the one-point defeat was disappointing but his side had the opportunity to respond quickly.
“It definitely hurt. The game was there to be won but we fell short. Fortunately we get to go again this weekend.”
Mr Wilkie said the team had focused heavily on defence during the week and expected to receive a boost with three key players returning to training following injury and representative commitments.
