Northern Pride hooker hopefuls to lock horns in Lightning Challenge
Northern Pride’s under-20s coach Dave Scott will be keeping a close eye on the No. 9s when the two Pride sides lock horns in the Lightning Challenge this weekend.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Brothers youngsters step up in fighting draw
- Cutters to shake off third-quarter blues
- FNQ Rugby grand final rematch under review, called off early
- Netball administrator farewells her FNQ ‘family’
Northern Pride’s under-20s coach Dave Scott will be keeping a close eye on the No. 9s when the two Pride sides lock horns in the Lightning Challenge this weekend.
The Pride Reef Kings and Pride Giants are both undefeated through two rounds of the one-off rugby league series, but one of their winning streaks will come to an end at Tully Showgrounds this Saturday afternoon.
Scott said it was exciting for the players to come up against their teammates on the field, but there were also some intriguing match-ups he would be watching with interest.
In particular, the hooker battle between under-20s rising star Adam Hepworth and experienced Intrust Super Cup rake Denzel King.
“Heppy’s probably a little bit more of a structured hooker, but he can see running opportunities,” Scott said.
“He follows the plan very well, whereas Denzel’s probably a little bit more off-the-cuff and plays more ad lib football.”
“He (Hepworth) is a little guy — he gets spotted out in (defence) and people run at him but he’s a very, very good defender and he’s very tough.
“He knows how to use his stature to the best of his capacity.”
MORE LOCAL LEAGUE NEWS:
Kawiri-Kusu: ‘He’s got a big future in the game’
Tigers push Pride all the way in narrow defeat
Ahwang gets fullback nod against his Brothers
Brothers eager to push Pride in Giant test
MORE NRL NEWS:
Proctor and Johnson face fines for breaching NRL judiciary rules
Grounded: Why Flegler won’t suit up for Dragons clash
Broncos stars whacked by monster fines
‘Not a fullback’: Gould blasts NRL star
Scott said it was a chance for the players to stake their claims before the pre-season.
“They should be pushing against each other, because there’s a spot there,” he said.
“There’s only so many hookers you can carry, and Chris (Ostwald) is doing a really good job at the moment, so that other hooking spot is definitely up for grabs.”
TEAM LISTS
Northern Pride Reef Kings: 1. Mark Rosendale, 2. Sireli Raivaroro, 3. Tyreyce Chambers, 4. Dallas Skardon, 5. Samisoni Raivaroro, 6. Patrick Gallen, 7. Evan Child, 8. Jonah Rameka, 9. Adam Hepworth, 10. Brad Lupi, 11. Tom McGrath, 12. Ewan Moore, 13. Jacob McCarthy. Interchange: 14. Luke Erbacher, 15. Tyson Phineasa, 16. Matthew Whybird, 17. Munro Mosby, 18. Zane Knowles (pending injury). Coach: Dave Scott
Northern Pride Giants: 1. Dmitri Ahwang, 2. Jayson Mura, 3. Aiden Kawiri-Kusu, 4. Kyle Wyatt, 5. Shaun Stephens, 6. Jack Campagnolo, 7. Sterling Addo-Nona, 8. Lata Fakalelu, 9. Denzel King, 10. Ricky Wardle, 11. Terrence Casey-Douglas, 12. Heilum Luki, 13. Matti Moyle. Interchange: 14. Colt Salmond, 15. Jesse Jackson, 16. Whyatt Barnes, 17. Usaia Fonongaloa. Coach: Bevan Walker.
Originally published as Northern Pride hooker hopefuls to lock horns in Lightning Challenge