Northern Pride: Breakthrough ISC win set inspiring standard

When it comes to movies and pop songs, nothing beats the original. The same could be said for the Northern Pride.

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When it comes to movies and pop songs, nothing beats the original.

The same could be said for the Northern Pride.

Northern Pride players at a training session

PART 1: NORTHERN PRIDE’S BEST PLAYERS, #50-41

PART 2: NORTHERN PRIDE’S BEST PLAYERS, #40-31

PART 3: NORTHERN PRIDE’S BEST PLAYERS, #30-21

PART 4: NORTHERN PRIDE’S BEST PLAYERS, #11-20

PART 5: NORTHERN PRIDE’S BEST PLAYERS, #6-10

PART 6: NORTHERN PRIDE’S BEST PLAYERS, #1-5

After 12 seasons in the state’s premier rugby league competition, inaugural captain Chris Sheppard still stands out as the best.

When you talk about rugby league revivals and comebacks, it is hard to go past the Northern Pride’s miraculous maiden Intrust Super Cup title in 2010.

Northern Pride vs. Brisbane Norths at Barlow Park. Captain Chris Sheppard says good bye after winning his last game at Barlow Park.

Sitting in ninth after 13 rounds of the competition, the Pride went on to produce one of the all time rugby league fairy tales as they went on to win 12 games in a row and claim their first state title.

While the turnaround is often credited to Joel Riethmuller’s (#6) inspirational work in defence, Sheppard was the orchestrator of the Pride’s success on grand final day, setting up four of their five tries.

But that’s only part of the reason he’s #1 on this list.

He tops my list because of the influence he had on his teammates and the way he was able to make them believe they were going to win every time they ran out with him.

The way his old teammates talk about him today, with great respect and a little bit of awe, is testament to him as a Northern Pride player.

He was only at the club for three season as a player, but in the end, it was enough to secure top spot.

Jason Roos (#2) was closer to snatching the top spot than you would believe, but Sheppard’s ability to inspire those around him saw him get the nod.

Brett Anderson (#4) and Chey Bird (#3) were also in a tight tussle for third.

PART 1: NORTHERN PRIDE’S BEST PLAYERS, #50-41

PART 2: NORTHERN PRIDE’S BEST PLAYERS, #40-31

PART 3: NORTHERN PRIDE’S BEST PLAYERS, #30-21

PART 4: NORTHERN PRIDE’S BEST PLAYERS, #11-20

PART 5: NORTHERN PRIDE’S BEST PLAYERS, #6-10

PART 6: NORTHERN PRIDE’S BEST PLAYERS, #1-5

Originally published as Northern Pride: Breakthrough ISC win set inspiring standard