Sport
22 May, 2026
Pride up to fifth after beating Clydesdales
NORTHERN Pride have moved into fifth position on the Hostplus Cup ladder after a 40-12 win over the Clydesdales at the weekend.
The result comes at the halfway mark of the competition, with several Brisbane-based teams still to play during the split-round bye period.
Head coach Sam Williams said the side executed its preparation well in the dominant performance.
“It was a really good feeling after the win on the weekend and singing that team song in the sheds,” Mr Williams said.
“The Clydesdales are a tricky side, but I thought our playing group was excellent. Everything we spoke about during preparation, we executed well, so I was really happy with the performance.”
Mr Williams said the disrupted draw had made consistency difficult for teams throughout the competition.
“With all these byes it’s been hard to get a rhythm when it’s stop-start, stop-start,” he said.
A highlight from the match was the debut of Innisfail player Ashton Galea (left), who impressed in his first appearance for the Pride.
“He’s been building combinations on that edge with Dane and with his very first touch he got through. He showed exactly what we’ve been training for over the last six months,” Williams said.
“It was great seeing all the local lads working together this weekend and continuing to grow as a team.”
Meanwhile, the Pride’s BMD Premiership squad will travel to Townsville this weekend for a trial match against the Mackay Cutters ahead of Round one on 6 June.
The club said the match would provide valuable game time for players following a long pre-season, with the squad continuing to develop combinations and fitness ahead of the new campaign.
Off the field, the Pride also confirmed BMD players Kayla Jackson, Taylor Fenton, Indee Brown and Mackenzie Stephens had recently spent time in the Cowboys system. Elishama and Ciarn will also be under consideration for the Queensland Under-19s Origin squad this weekend.
