Lightning Challenge will give CDRL stars a chance to shine
The Lightning Challenge will present an opportunity for the best rugby league players in the region to stand up and be noticed, according to Northern Pride coach Ty Williams.
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The Lightning Challenge will present an opportunity for the best rugby league players in the region to stand up and be noticed, according to Northern Pride coach Ty Williams.
The Pride were announced last week as one of three Far North clubs that would compete in the one-off rugby league series from next month.
The Lightning Challenge, a joint effort between the CDRL and the Northern Pride, will kick off on August 8 and comprise six weeks of double-headers.
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The Pride will enter two sides in the four-team competition, while CDRL clubs Brothers Cairns and Tully Tigers will field a side each.
Williams said he would not only be keeping a close eye on his Pride charges in the upcoming rugby league series, but would also be watching other players that weren’t in the system with great interest.
“There’s going to be guys there that get a chance to showcase their skills against lads they don’t usually play against,” he said.
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“It’s definitely a chance to put their hands up and become noticed and I think that’s a key area with my role moving forward.
“It’s not just about looking after the two Pride teams, but also overseeing the Brothers and Tully lads as well and seeing who might be able to generate some interest.”
The coach has also put a call out to the nine non-participating CDRL clubs, to ensure the competition’s top talents don’t miss out.
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“I’ve sent them an email just to see if they’ve potentially got any players that they think should be putting their hand up to be part of the Northern Pride system,” he said.
“I’ve given them until the end of the week to get back to me, then we’ll touch base.
“Whether I get 20 responses, or two, I’m unsure, but at least we’ve created an avenue and a pathway to give them an opportunity,” he said.
Williams said it was likely that under-20s coach Dave Scott would look after one of the Pride teams, while Intrust Super Cup assistant coach Bevan Walker would look after the other.
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Pride players allocated to Brothers and Tully could play for their CDRL clubs in the Lightning Challenge, according to coach Ty Williams.
“Mat Laumea is living in Tully at the moment so he’ll definitely play there,” he said.
“It’s going to be interesting if him and Nick Lui-Toso run into each other. But that’s going to be the exciting thing about it.
“The boys are mates off the field, but once they cross the strip, it becomes personal.”
Originally published as Lightning Challenge will give CDRL stars a chance to shine