Advertisment

Sport

19 March, 2021

Northern Pride Round 1: Strong halves combo for Northern Pride

THE NORTHERN Pride new recruit debuts with the coveted number 7 jumper in this weekend’s season opener against the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

By Peter McCullagh

Tom Steadman during a club pre-seasn trial match PHOTO: Northern Pride
Tom Steadman during a club pre-seasn trial match PHOTO: Northern Pride

THE Northern Pride new recruit debuts with the coveted number 7 jumper in this weekend’s season opener against the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

Tom Steadman, recruited from the Central Coast earlier this year has impressed coach Ty Williams to claim the half-back position paired with Ben Hampton at five-eight.

Steadmen edged out both Matt Egan and Evan Child to snare the jumper.

Ben Hampton, with over 100 NRL games for Melbourne Storm and the NQ Cowboys adds depth and experience to the halves.

Although Steadman is one of the youngest players in the squad, Williams has confidence in his ability to control the play.

“I thought Tommy edged both lads out over the trial period, but also his attitude when he come to the club — I’m not saying the two other boys were off — but you could tell that he was one of the guys that wanted to really be here and he’s come here for a reason,” Williams said.

“He’s been through the Roosters and Newcastle systems, so he knows what it’s like to be in a professional environment, and obviously he understands what he’s here for, and that’s to hopefully further his rugby league career.”

“Tommy gets first shot and has to prove his worth come Saturday arvo — if not, there’s two lads there waiting to go, which is exciting for us, because we’ve got depth in the position,” Williams said.

Also debuting in Pride colours is Jayden Corrigan at fullback. The Taree junior came to Cairns via Aspley Devils and Valleys Diehards.

The Sunshine Coast Falcons squad named includes disgraced ex-Newcastle Knights Jared Mullen who signed earlier this year with the Falcons after serving a four-year ban for using an anabolic steroid.

The 33-year-old is hopeful of a return to the NRL through the Falcons and Melbourne Storm connection. Mullen will start from the bench in this
Saturday’s game.

 

 

TEAM LIST — ROUND 1

Northern Pride

1. Jayden Corrigan, 2. Shawn Bowen, 3. Connelly Lemuelu, 4. Bernard Lewis, 5. Matt Musumeci, 6. Ben Hampton, 7. Tom Steadman, 8. Wiremu Greig, 9. Chris Ostwald, 10. Rod Griffin, 11. Josh Stuckey, 12. Ewan Moore, 13. Pete Hola, 14. Jayden Hodges, 15. Heilum Luki, 16. Ieremiah Nanai, 17. Tom McGrath, 18. Matt Egan, 19. Terrence Casey-Douglas, 20. Lata Fakalelu

Sunshine Coast Falcons

1. Nicho Hynes, 2. Paul Ulberg, 3. Bj Aufaga-Toomaga, 4. Jack Howarth, 5. Nat McGavin, 6. Cooper Johns, 7. Todd Murphy, 8. Patrice Siolo, 9. Kurt Baptiste, 10. Darren Schonig, 11. Trent Leiero, 12. Dane Hogan, 13. Sam Burns, 14. Jarrod Mullen, 15. Sam Bernstrom, 16. Daniel Dole, 17. Tom Geraghty, 18. Luke Poiselli, 19. Thomas Rafter,
20. Louis Geraghty

Round 1 games:

Saturday March 20

Hunters v WM Seagulls

Falcons v Northern Pride

Seagulls v Capras

Jets v Blackhawks

Cutters v Dolphins

Tigers v Devils

Sunday March 21

Magpies v Bears

Advertisment

Most Popular