Kaiyla Ward named the Northern Pride’s first female captain
Kaiyla Ward will make history as the first female captain at the Northern Pride, when she leads the team when they kick-off their inaugural under-19 women’s campaign at Barlow Park.
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KAIYLA Ward will make history as the first female captain at the Northern Pride, with the talented second-rower to lead the team when they kick-off their inaugural under-19 women’s campaign against the Blackhawks at Barlow Park this weekend.
The 18-year-old North Queensland-contracted Ward has long been considered one of the premier talents coming out of FNQ, and she will take on the extra responsibility with pride when she leads her team into battle.
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For coach Alby Anderson, it was an easy decision to hand Ward the captaincy.
Even in the early stages of this team’s development, he looked at Ward as the best option to be a leader.
“She has been one of the girls who has come through since the start,” he said.
“She’s stayed strong, and stayed loyal to what we were doing here in Cairns. She’s followed through, has been in the leadership group, and the girls look up to her.”
And when the hard work needs doing, more often than not it is Ward rolling up the sleeves and getting it done.
It is that attitude which has made her among the best young football talents in FNQ in any code, but the added pressure of the captaincy won’t change the way Ward approaches the game.
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Ward, who spent the weekend at a Gold Stars training camp in Mackay, said she was honoured to be given the opportunity.
“It feels pretty good to be captaining the Pride’s first ever girls team,” Ward said.
“It’s pretty good to go out there and lead the team, and hopefully to a successful season, but (also to) help them learn and grow as a team as well.
“I really feel I should’ve stepped up as there wasn’t really many who were vocal on the team, and I’ve had that experience at a higher level.”
“It’s a big responsibility to lead, you have to stay calm and lead, even if you’re frustrated.”
Etuina Suavai, Brooke Tongalea and Jalleala Riley have been named in the Pride’s leadership group.
The Pride played Cairns Kangaroos in a trial at Vico Oval on Sunday night, and will start their 2021 campaign this weekend.
Northern Pride’s four junior teams will kick-off their 2021 campaigns against the Blackhawks at Barlow Park on Saturday.
The U16 Cyril Connell Challenge game kicks off at 1pm, with the U18 Mal Meninga Cup from 2.30pm.
The U19 Women take the field at 4pm, before the U21 Hastings Deering Colts kick-off at 5.30pm.
The Intrust Super Cup squad will attend the game, their last weekend off before the 2021 season kicks off against the Falcons at the Sunshine Coast.
matthew.mcinerney1@news.com.au
Originally published as Kaiyla Ward named the Northern Pride’s first female captain
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