Sport
15 April, 2021
Northern Pride Round 4: The local derby - Pride v Blackhawks
THE Northern Pride finished last Saturday’s game against Wynnum Manly with injury clouds over several key players. Both Matthew Musumeci and Jayden Hodges left the ground with what appeared to be serious injuries along with HIA’s due on several other players including Rod Griffin.
At Monday’s post-game summary conference, Northern Pride coach, Ty Williams was not counting on either Musumeci or Hodges being cleared to play.
It was a surprised and delighted Williams who reported with the naming of the team that both players were cleared to play after scans revealed the injuries were not as serious as previously thought.
“We are very surprised that’s happened, but the doctors and the physios have come up with a pretty, good report,” he said.
Scans conducted Tuesday revealed that neither injury was as serious as thought allowing Williams to name them in this week’s team to play the Blackhawks in Townsville.
The final decision regarding their position in the team will be made on Friday allowing for a few additional days for injuries to settle.
Williams also announced a positional change for this week with Cowboys contracted player Jake Clifford moving to five-eighth and standout player Tom Steadman snaring the number 7 jersey.
This weekend’s game will be a tough one. The Blackhawks currently sit atop the ladder with 3 wins from 3 starts and are a big physical forward pack.
“The Blackhawks are very big through the middle with their crew with Sam Hall and Joe Boyce, but also defensively to stiffen up the middle. I thought we were good at the start of last week’s game, but this week we’ll need to have that bit more steel there.”
Rod Griffin was reported during the round 3 clash with Wynnum Manly and charged with dangerous contact.
Griffin elected to take an early guilty plea avoiding suspension and cop the 75 carry over points, clearing him to play this weekend.”
Williams is anticipating a very spirited game given the rivalry between Cairns and Townsville.
“It is what it is, and before the Blackhawks and the Northern Pride it was Townsville against Cairns. That’s the rivalry, no matter what sport you play cricket squash, volleyball, doesn’t matter. That’s exciting. I think the boys will take it on, and we’ll see how they go.”
THE TEAMS
Round 4 v Blackhawks at Jack Manski Oval, Townsville, on Saturday from 6pm.
Northern Pride
1. Jayden Corrigan, 2. Shawn Bowen, 3. Grant Anderson, 4. Bernard Lewis, 5. Matthew Musumeci, 6. Jake Clifford, 7. Thomas Steadman, 8. Rodney Griffin, 9. Chris Ostwald (c), 10. Nick Lui Toso, 11. Joshua Stuckey, 12. Tom McGrath, 13. Jayden Hodges (c), 14. Heilum Luki, 15. Jeremiah Nanai, 16. Ewan Moore, 17. Terrence Casey-Douglas, 18. Evan Child, 19. Matthew Egan, 20. Denzel King, 21. Lata Fakalelu, 22. Cephas Chinfat.
Blackhawks
1. Josh Hoffman, 2. Michael Carroll, 3. Carlin Anderson, 4. Esan Masters, 5. Kalifa Faifai Loa, 6. Kyle Laybutt, 7. Daejarn Asi, 8. Jordan Kenworthy, 9. Josh Chudleigh, 10. Sam Hoare (c), 11. Tom Hancock, 12. Riley Price, 13. Tom Gilbert, 14. Shaun Nona, 15. Sione Lousi, 16. Kieran Quabba, 17. Griffin Neame.
