Northern Pride takes field with local juniors

Kids at Mareeba Junior Rugby League’s sign-on day on Saturday relished the opportunity to play a game of touch footy with Northern Pride players.

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MAREEBA Junior Rugby League is gearing up for a great season after having a successful sign-on day on Saturday, with kids having the chance to play a game with Northern Pride players.

The under-18s and 20s side travelled to Mareeba on Saturday to train and take some time to play a little bit of touch football with the local kids.

Club president Darrin Hastie said the club had been trying for six years to get someone from the Pride team up to Mareeba, but had been unsuccessful until this year.

“We have the under-18s and under-20s playing up here for the day (Saturday),” Hastie said.

BIG TURNOUT: Mareeba Junior Rugby League players had a visit from Pride footballers during their sign on day for 2019 on Saturday. Picture: BRONWYN WHEATCROFT

“The kids love to see that type of stuff. They see a Pride jersey and they love it.

“That is what the young ones aspire to.

“They want to play A grade for Mareeba and then work their way up into the Pride team and then the NRL.

“So having them up here is a big boost for us.

“They are always welcome to come up here and it is great seeing them here.

“I know it is a big effort to get the players here but we appreciate the effort they go to, to get everyone up here.”

Hastie said 2019 was shaping up to be a great season.

“There has been a lot of interest so far for the upcoming season and there are a lot of people here for sign-on day,” he said.

“We have had a lot of interest from managers and coaches already which is great so the year ahead looks promising.”

He said the club was on the lookout for older players.

“We need players for the under-15s and 17s,” Hastie said.

“But we don’t know if the under-17s will be playing yet.

“It looks like they won’t have a team.

“We are always looking for volunteers.

“They can do league safe courses, first aid, run water or help in the canteen.

“We are chasing a canteen manger.”

Hastie said volunteers kept the club running and everyone was welcome to contact the club and inquire about volunteering.

He thanked the Mareeba Leagues Club for allowing the juniors to hold their sign-on day inside the club again this year.

“Mareeba Leagues has been a great help and are sponsor of the junior league,” he said.

“We appreciate all of their help to the club and all of our sponsors for giving back to the kids.”

Training for junior Gladiators starts today, weather permitting, at Davis Park, Mareeba.

Kids are still able to sign up to play this year.

For more information visit the Mareeba Junior Rugby League’s Facebook page or visit the website.

Originally published as Northern Pride takes field with local juniors