Four Pride players turning heads in the first week of the pre-season
While there’s still another four months before the Pride take the field in the opening round of the season, a numbers of players have already made an impression on teammates and coaching staff.
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The Northern Pride started preparations for the 2020 Intrust Super Cup season this week, with the club’s pre-season program kicking off on Monday.
While there’s still another four months before the Pride take the field in the opening round of the season, a numbers of players have already made an impression on teammates and coaching staff.
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Here’s four Pride players that are turning heads in the first week of the pre-season.
1. BRAD LUPI
The Pride’s toothless terror may be getting more attention for the orange shin guards he wears to protect his legs while deadlifting, but don’t let that distract you from the four 20kg plates on either side of the bar.
The 116kg prop, who joined the Pride midway through the 2019 season, could be in line for a starting spot in the front row with a strong pre-season.
2. ROD GRIFFIN
Look up ‘workhorse’ in the dictionary and you’re bound to find a picture of Rod Griffin.
The former PNG international has been leading the way in the gym in the first week of the pre-season and, despite being one of the more senior squad members, is probably one of the fittest.
Coaching staff will be hoping Griffin’s work ethic rubs off on the younger squad members.
3. HEILUM LUKI
The talented youngster is destined for big things in the pre-season and beyond.
Starting the 2019 season in the Pride U18s, the North Queensland Cowboys junior development player soon found a permanent spot in the Pride U20s backrow, before being promoted to a Queensland Cup development player status at the end of the 2018 season.
One to keep an eye on.
4. TAULATA FAKALELU
The Innisfail Leprechauns wrecking ball has been making an impact in the first week of the pre-season, but not in the way you would’ve expected.
During this week’s speed and technique testing with CQUniversity, Fakalelu put up impressive agility numbers for a front-rower.
The development player will be chasing a Queensland Cup debut in 2020.
Originally published as Four Pride players turning heads in the first week of the pre-season