New deal to keep Northern Pride at Barlow Park until 2022

A generation of Northern Pride players have called Barlow Park home, and they will not move anywhere anytime soon after the Queensland Cup club and council struck a new agreement.

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A generation of Northern Pride players have called Barlow Park home, and they will not move anywhere anytime soon after the Queensland Cup club and Cairns Regional Council struck a new funding and user agreement.

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The Council yesterday endorsed the in-kind use of Barlow Park and West Barlow Park until the end of 2022, with the option for a further two-year extension.

It secures the club’s home ground, where they have played since 2011, into the next decade, with the deal valued at $118,663 per year. It allows for 10 home games a year and pre-season and in-season training for the Pride and its under 18 and under 20 team.

Pride CEO Mark Quinn said the club was appreciative of the Council’s support.

“We’re appreciative of the support Council provides to us, along with our sponsors,” Quinn said. “It’s a fantastic facility and we’re thankful for all of the support.”

Chairman Tony Williamson echoed Quinn’s sentiments, and said the Pride wanted to restore Barlow Park to the feared fortress it was in years past.

Four of the Pride’s five wins this year came at the ground, where they boast a 69.7 per cent win rate since 2008.

The Pride have returned to pre-season training at Barlow Park, while the venue will next week host the International Legends of League charity rugby league game.

Originally published as New deal to keep Northern Pride at Barlow Park until 2022