Former Cowboys player becomes Northern Pride BMD Premiership coach as history made in Far North

The Northern Pride have taken the next big step in promoting women’s rugby league in the region by announcing their coach for the 2025 BMD Premiership side.

The Northern Pride's Colin Wilkie trains with teammates ahead of the club's first trial game of 2018, against Mackay in Townsville. Picture: BRENDAN RADKE

The Northern Pride have taken the next big step in promoting women’s rugby league in the region by announcing their coach for the 2025 BMD Premiership side.

Former Cowboys and Melbourne Storm player Colin Wilkie has taken up the head coaching role with the Pride announcing the position on Friday morning.

Board member Kym McPhee-Smith announced the Northern Pride will be stepping into the competition for the first time in the clubs history.

“I am excited to announce that we are going to be entering the 2025 BMD Premiership,” McPhee-Smith said.

“Really excited for this opportunity for our Northern Pride footprint.

“There have been a number of years that have gone behind entering into the 2025 (season), a lot of hard work by the board.

“Just really excited for this opportunity for our females in the Northern Pride footprint and obviously our members and our fans.

“We have a lot of local talent and it is going to be exciting to bring home a lot of players who have had to relocate and to bring them home to play in front of their fans and family.”

Colin Wilkie will return to the Northern Pride as the head coach of the inaugural BMD Premiership side. Picture: Marc McCormack

Layla Geck, winner of the 2024 Northern Pride academy U19s MVP (Most Valuable Player). Picture: Chris Robson

The announcement of Northern Pride women’s side is another step in the right direction for the pathway from juniors to elite NRL.

“I think this is going to be a great pathway for juniors to aspire to,” McPhee-Smith said.

“Really excited to have Colin Wilkie on board as head coach, especially with his experience.

“It is going to be exiting for 2025.”

Pride chief executive Garreth Smith said today will go down as a great day in history for women’s sport.

“We make history as the Kenfrost Homes Northern Pride, as we announce our entry into the 2025 BMD Premiership,” Smith said.

“This is a culmination of years of hard work, dedication and belief in the potential of women’s rugby league.

“Our entry into this prestigious competition is not just a step forward for the club but for the entire Far Northern Queensland community and the Northern Pride footprint.”

After honing his skills alongside some of the best players and coaches in the game, Wilkie returned home to the Northern Pride in 2016.

Wilkie is currently The Head of Football at the Tully Tigers, where his impact on player development and club success has been widely recognised.

“I’m honoured to be named head coach of the Kenfrost Homes Northern Pride BMD Premiership team,” Wilkie said.

“It’s a privilege to be part of this momentous occasion for the club and I’m looking forward to working with the players, staff and community to make our inaugural season a success.

“The Far North has a proud rugby league heritage and I’m excited to help write the next chapter of that story.”

Wilkie also represented Italy for four matches in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

Originally published as Former Cowboys player becomes Northern Pride BMD Premiership coach as history made in Far North