Northern Pride prop welcoming changes on and off the field

Northern Pride prop Brad Lupi is ready to welcome changes on and off the footy field.

Northern Pride prop Brad Lupi is ready to welcome changes on and off the footy field.

The monster front-row forward has re-signed with the Pride for the new season and will be one of the side’s most experienced players, with 57 Intrust Super Cup games under his belt.

But even all of that experience won’t be enough to prepare Lupi for the new age of rugby league.

The 32-year-old has made a career out of being an “old-school” prop — he tucks the ball under his arm and he runs as straight and as hard as he can until he is stopped.

Big bad Brad Lupi is ready to take some massive hit ups for the Northern Pride in the 2021 Intrust Super Cup competition. He is also expecting his first child in July. Picture: Brendan Radke

But, following the introduction of the NRL’s six-again rule to the QRL’s statewide competitions in 2021, Lupi was challenged by coach Ty Williams to get his body more in line with the current crop of NRL props.

“It’s a bit scary because I don’t like getting up and off the ground anymore, but I’ve shedded a bit of weight,” Lupi said.

“I reckon I’ll be able to pump out a good 30-35 minutes a game — but you still want to be big.”

It’s not the only change Lupi will face in 2021 — he will become a dad for the first time in July.

MORE NEWS:

Australian netball royalty to join Northern Rays staff

AFL Cairns: Representative footy to return in new season

Thunder’s Atherton tonkers to lead from the front

Churchward finds form at perfect time

Blagojevic keen to keep rolling after big night

“I’m excited,” he said.

And, in the case that little Lupi arrives on a game day, the big bopper has his priorities straight.

“Well, because my missus is going to read this, I’m going to be at the hospital with my wife, taking good care of her, because I love her very much, and my child,” he said.

Lupi said he and Williams had developed a strong relationship in recent seasons, and he was looking forward to building that further.

Big bad Brad Lupi is ready to take some massive hit ups for the Northern Pride in the 2021 Intrust Super Cup competition. He is also expecting his first child in July. Picture: Brendan Radke

“It’s good because when I was first here in 2017, I think he hated me,” he said.

“So I went away for a couple of years and came back; it’s good he’s finally changed his tune on me.”

Williams said Lupi was “a character” and an important part of the club.

“He’s one of those guys that you need in your club, but credit where credit’s due, he really gets in and has a go on the training field,” he said.

Pride's Brad Lupi puts in a big run in the 2020 pre-season trial match between the Northern Pride and the Cairns Foley Shield representative side, held at Petersen Park, Edmonton. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

“He’s a big human, he’s pushing 117kg, he’s been around to a few clubs — but I think this year we’re starting to see a different side of Bradley, which is good to see.

“He’s a lot more mature — he’s still loud — but he’s understood the whole game has changed and obviously a few things with his physique need to change and he’s adapted to that accordingly.

“I love coaching Lupes, as much as he talks smack all the time, he’s a guy you need within your group.

“If there’s an intense moment, he deflates that moment, which is good, but then, when it’s time to go, he really listens and really has a crack of it. He’s a pleasure to coach and a guy I enjoy having around the group — but don’t tell him I said that.”

Lupi said his goal was to lock down a spot in the 17.

“I prefer coming off the bench so I can play against easier people and not get my body banged up too much and get some easy metres, but whatever Tybo (Williams) wants, I’ll do,” he said.

Originally published as Northern Pride prop welcoming changes on and off the field