Northern Pride celebrated ‘women in sport’ in their win over Western Clydesdales
Northern Pride celebrated ‘women in sport’ in their win over Western Clydesdales with the side put a ladies name on their jersey’s as the debutant praised his mum for the support.
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Northern Pride have put together an almost perfect first half against Clydesdales according to coach Eric Smith as they now sit two games clear on top spot of the Queensland Rugby League ladder.
The Pride dominated the first half, going into the half time break 40-0 before winning the clash 46-0 to claim 10 wins in a row and remain undefeated at home this season.
Smith said it’s a good win, but still some things they need to work on.
“It was really good, particularly happy with that first half, there was a few things we wanted to focus on,” Smith said.
“I thought in the first half we definitely achieved that but (it) was a bit of a flat spot in that second half.
“We went back to old habits where we just coughed up too much footy, but again our defence held strong.
“It feels good, but we still have some work to do.”
Tom Chester was moved to Fullback for the match up with the Clydesdales finishing with a game high 422 metres and two tries.
“It was good to have him play 80 minutes and he’s hard to handle,” Smith said.
“He is slippery and I dare say he would have run for another 200 metres today.
“Just his energy, it energises the whole group with those carry throughs.
“He is alway poking his nose through, he is dangerous.”
19-year-old Mason Kira debuted for Pride after being a late call up.
Kira moved up at the beginning of the year through the Cowboys program, playing in the Northern Pride.
“He was really good, it has been a big year for him,” Smith said.
“He has played rep footy and under 19’s Origin and now he makes his cup debut.
“I though he did a really good job, he was physical, he is a big body and he definitely didn’t look out of place that's for sure.”
In the week where players and the league dedicated the round to women in footy, Kira dedicated his debut game to his family.
“Mostly to my mum and dad and sister, dad has been there all the way, since the start of it, couldn’t ask for a better supporter,” Kira said.
“My mum is just, my mum, I love her, the round is dedicated to her, women in league.
“It was really good, I really enjoyed it, was a really fast game.
“Hopefully I stay along with the boys for a while now, just grateful to have the opportunity to debut.”
Kira said the boys got around him and really lifted him up for his debut game.
“Yeah they all got around me, the coach did the exact same thing, was just loving it,” Kira said.
“The team and everything in general, just enjoying it as a squad.
“I played Mal (Meninga Cup) for Pride this year too, so one of the young ones and just stuck to it A grade and put my best foot forward.
“Then finally got the opportunity to have a crack at debut.”
Northern Pride still learning despite winning streak
The Northern Pride are running out of time to get the ‘little things right’ according to coach Eric Smith as they close in on finals.
Smith’s men take on Clydesdales on Saturday afternoon at Barlow Park, in between an action packed Saturday with the Far North Queensland rugby league girls and women’s grand finals.
The Pride sit top of the Hostplus ladder with three games to go in the home and away season.
Smith said he has been happy with how his side has performed this season but there are still some things to work on.
“From our point of view we couldn’t care less about the ladder position,” Smith said.
“We have got some things internal that we have identified that we need to be better at and we have only got three more games before finals to sharpen up.
“We will be looking at those areas especially that we want to improve and that will be our focus this weekend.
“Our defence has been outstanding, it has been what we have built out season on and it was evident again last week when Wynnum had 50 play the balls inside our 20 and try line, which that number is unheard of.
“But the two tries they got, one was from us offloading a silly pass they picked up and the other one was in the last play of the game when we had 12 men.”
It will be the second time the Pride will take on Clydesdales after the two teams met in round 14 with the Pride walking away 42-22 winners in Toowoomba.
With finals out of the race for Clydesdales, Smith said his side won’t be taking their opponents lightly.
“I am sure they have been hungry every week trying to get that next win and that is what makes it dangerous,” Smith said.
“They are a team that knows they won’t be playing finals football so that pressure is off of them.
“I guess it means they can open the shackles a little bit and chance their arm and play a little bit more off the cuff and we might see some things that we have seen before.
“Being in that position, it allows them to play with as much freedom as they want.
“Which from our end makes them a dangerous football team, because you don’t know what you are going to get.”
Clydesdales haven’t won a game since round 8 when they defeated the Dolphins by two points at home.
The Pride have won their last nine games in a row and will look to continue the read hot streak claiming a new record of consecutive wins in one home and away season.
They are also undefeated at home this season with nine wins from nine games.
Northern Pride and Western Clydesdales kicks off at 3pm on Saturday August 2 at Barlow Park.
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