2008 Northern Pride RLFC season explained

Clubname:Northern Pride
Fullname:Northern Pride Rugby League Football Club
Nickname:The Pride
Web:northernpride.com.au
Colours: Teal, Gold
Founded:2007
Ground:Barlow Park, Cairns
Capacity:seating 1,700, standing 15,000
Ceo:Denis Keeffe (2007–2009)
Coach:Andrew Dunemann (2008–2009)
Captain:Chris Sheppard (2008–2010)
League:Wizard Queensland Cup
Season:2008
Position:3rd
Premierships:2
Premiershipyears:2010, 2014
Minorpremierships:3
Minorpremiershipyears:2013, 2014, 2024
Runnerups:1
Runnerupyears:2009
Homejersey:Northern Pride home jersey 2008.png
Awayjersey:Northern Pride away jersey 2008.png

See main article: Northern Pride RLFC. 2008 was the first competitive season for the Cairns based CRGT Northern Pride Rugby League Football Club. They were one of 11 clubs that played in the thirteenth season of Queensland's top rugby league competition, QRL's Wizard Queensland Cup.

The Northern Pride and Mackay Cutters were two new teams that entered the competition in 2008.[1] Mackay hadn't hosted a team since the Mackay Sea Eagles played the 1996 season, while Cairns was represented by the Cairns Cyclones from 1996 to 2000. The two new clubs replaced the Aspley Broncos and North Queensland Young Guns, who withdrew from the competition.[2] With the loss of the Young Guns, the North Queensland Cowboys formed new feeder club partnerships with the Cutters and Pride.[3]

The original coach was Adrian Lam, who had been captain of the PNG Kumuls, had represented Queensland at State of Origin, and played for the Sydney Roosters and Wigan Warriors. Lam arrived in Cairns in August 2007 while the Pride's bid to enter the QCup competition was being prepared, but was released a month later to take up a coaching position at the Sydney Roosters.[4] He was replaced by Northern Pride's foundation coach, Andrew Dunemann, who had played and for the Gold Coast Seagulls, North Queensland Cowboys, South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Canberra Raiders in the NRL, and the Halifax Blue Sox, Leeds Rhinos and Salford City Reds in the English Super League. He had also coached the Canberra Raiders Under-20s team, and turned down an assistant coaching position at Halifax RLFC to coach in Cairns.[5]

The two assistant coaches were David Maiden and Troy Cummings. Maiden was a rugby league international who represented Scotland in the 2000 World Cup, was a foundation player for the North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL, and played and for Gateshead Thunder and Hull F.C. in the English Super League, and the Cairns Cyclones in the Queensland Cup, and was currently the Junior Development Officer for the North Queensland Cowboys and General Manager of the CDRL. Cummings played for CDRL Mareeba Gladiators, and played for and coached the Cairns Marlins in the Foley Shield.[6] [7]

Foundation captain was Chris Sheppard, who had played for the North Queensland Cowboys and St. George Illawarra Dragons.[8] Chey Bird was appointed captain in Rounds 13 and 14, and in the finals series when 'Shep' was injured or unavailable, and Ben Laity was captain for Round 15. Warren Jensen was captain for the first pre-season trial at Yarrabah.

'Shep' was the first player signed to the Pride, followed by local players Hezron Murgha and Noel Underwood from CDRL Yarrabah Seahawks, Kahu Wehi and Ritchie Marsters from Tully Tigers, Alex Starmer from Ivanhoes Knights, and Jason Roos from Mareeba Gladiators. The Chief Executive Officer and Commercial Manager visited Port Moresby to sign PNG players, but the Pride were unable to get work visas for the pair to enter Australia.

The Northern Pride played ten home games and ten away games over 22 rounds between March and August, and three games in the finals series. Their inaugural match was a home game, played at Barlow Park, Cairns, when the Pride scored eight tries, beating newcomers Mackay Cutters 44–16.[9] Eleven North Queensland Cowboys played this match (three for the Pride and eight for the Cutters). The match itself was something of a debacle, as the pitch was a rain-drenched mud-pit and coach Dunemann wanted the game called off. Pride officials turned spectators, match officials, caterers and security officers away, claiming the match was cancelled, but QRL insisted the game proceed.[10]

The Pride won their first seven games, before their first defeat in Round 8, when they lost 34–4 to Tweed Heads Seagulls.[11] Injuries dogged the team in the middle of the season, and Rugby League Week magazine predicted the newcomers would finish towards the bottom of the table. The Pride lost the last three matches of the regular season, but still finished in third place, having won 13 of their 20 games.[12] They reached the Preliminary Final, but lost in golden point extra-time to the Souths Logan Magpies, who went on to win the Grand Final.[13]

Six of the Pride's away games were televised on ABC 1. There were calls for the ABC to expand their outside broadcasting abilities and televise a Pride home game next season.

The Pride's office was at Mann Street in Westcourt and the team trained at Jones Park. In June 2008 the Pride purchased CDRL Kangaroos Leagues Club and Vico Oval, Irene Street, Mooroobool from the Redcliffe Dolphins in June 2008 for $1.85m (the Dolphins having purchased the Oval and Leagues Club from the Kangaroos in 2005 when Kangaroos were in financial difficulty). The playing field was renamed as Pride Oval, and the end of season Player Awards ceremony was held at the rebranded Pride Leagues Club.[14] The facility was to be used as an administration and training base, there were plans for a multi-million dollar development and for the Pride junior teams to play there. Six weeks later, however, the project was put on hold as the Pride faced financial uncertainty after chairman O'Brien's Pacific Toyota dealership went into receivership with debts around $25 million. O'Brien was a majority owner of the NBL Cairns Taipans, and had withdrawn financial support from the basketball team, placing them into voluntary administration. The QRL delayed the release of next seasons draw pending a review of the Pride's financial situation. O'Brien stood aside as the Northern Pride's chairman, and was replaced by Bob Fowler, former chairman of the Queensland Cup side the Cairns Cyclones.[15]

2008 SeasonCRGT Northern Pride

See main article: 2008 Queensland Cup.

Staff

Coaches/Trainers

Captain

Managers

2008 squad

The Pride used 35 players this season, all of whom were new signings to the club. Seven of these were Cowboys allocation players.

Chris Sheppard (c)
Brett Anderson
Adam Mills
Alex Starmer
Ben Kerr
Ben Laity
Callan Myles
Chey Bird
Chris Afamasaga
Drew Campbell
Eric Warria
Gordon Rattler
Greg Byrnes
Hezron Murgha
Jamie Frizzo
Jason Roos
Joel Riethmuller
Josh Vaughan
Luke Harlen
Luke Millwood
Mark Cantoni
Noel Underwood
Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia Richie Marsters
Rod Griffin
Steve Sheppard
Warren Jensen
Farren Wilett
Jordan Kane
Joshua Wehi
Kahu Wehi
Ryan Bartlett
Shaun Cribb
Steve McLean
Ben Vaeau*
Jackson Nicolau*
John Williams*
Matthew Bartlett*
Scott Bolton*
Steve Southern*
Ty Williams*

Allocated but did not play for the Pride in 2008:
Aaron Payne
Ashley Graham
Carl Webb
Jacob Lillyman
Justin Smith
Mark Henry
Matt Bowen
Ray Cashmere

Player gains

This was the first season for the Pride, so all players were new signings.

PlayerFrom LeagueFrom ClubNotes
Ryan Bartlett Wizard Queensland Cup North Queensland Young Guns
Wizard Queensland Cup North Queensland Young Guns
Wizard Queensland Cup North Queensland Young Guns
Warren Jensen Wizard Queensland Cup Wynnum Manly Seagulls
Josh Vaughan Wizard Queensland Cup Tweed Heads Seagulls
Wizard Queensland Cup Ipswich Jets
Gordon Rattler Wizard Queensland Cup Ipswich Jets
Wizard Queensland Cup Eastern Suburbs Tigers
Wizard Queensland Cup Eastern Suburbs Tigers
Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia NRL Telstra Premiership Cronulla Sharks Jersey Flegg
Hezron Murgha CDRL Yarrabah Seahawks
Noel Underwood CDRL Yarrabah Seahawks
Farran Willett CDRL Yarrabah Seahawks
Kahu Wehi CDRL Tully Tigers
Ritchie Marsters CDRL Tully Tigers
Joshua Wehi CDRL Tully Tigers
Alex Starmer CDRL Ivanhoes Knights
Drew Campbell CDRL Ivanhoes Knights
Jason Roos CDRL Mareeba Gladiators
CDRL Mareeba Gladiators
Steve Sheppard CDRL Mareeba Gladiators
Adam Mills CDRL Atherton Roosters
Chey Bird TDRL Brothers Townsville
Ben Kerr CDRL Innisfail Leprechauns
Steve McLean Junior Canberra Raiders juniors
Eric Warria JuniorNorthern Territory teamAustralian Secondary Schools Rugby League
Chris Afamasaga NRL Telstra Premiership Gold Coast TitansSigned in Round 10.
Afamasaga walked out of the club after Round 18.
Jamie Frizzo NRL Telstra Premiership North Queensland CowboysSigned in Round 10
NRL Telstra Premiership Wests TigersSigned in Round 12
NRL Telstra Premiership Wests TigersSigned in Round 16
Callan Myles CDRL Ivanhoes KnightsPlayed in the Finals series

PNG signings

At the start of the season attempts were made to sign players from the PNG rugby league, but problems with visas prevented them coming to Australia.[17]

PlayerFrom LeagueFrom Club
Michael Mark, SP Inter-City Cup Mendi Muruks
Jesse Joe Parker Nandye, SP Inter-City Cup Pagini Simbu Warriors
----

2008 season launch

2008 player awards

26 September 2008, Pride Leagues Club, Irene Street, Mooroobool.[22]

2008 representative players

Rod Griffin 3 appearances at the 2008 Rugby League World Cup against England, New Zealand and Australia.[23] [24] [25]

2008 Queensland Residents team

Scott Bolton

Players signed to first-tier teams

PlayerTo LeagueTo Club
Melbourne Storm
Jackson Nicolau* Gold Coast Titans

2008 jerseys

----

Trial matches

CRGT Northern Pride:
Interchange:
  • = Cowboys allocation.
Cairns Select Squad: ?
  • Note: This match was originally scheduled to be played at Callendar Park, Innisfail, but was changed Jilara Oval, the home ground of the CDRL Yarrabah Seahawks.
----
CRGT Northern Pride: Coach Andrew Dunemann selected four separate teams to play this match, with each team to play one quarter.
Unavailable: Josh Vaughan was called up by North Queensland Cowboys assistant coach, Ian Millward to play in their NRL pre-season trial match against the Broncos in Rockhampton.
  • Note: This match was cancelled due to wet conditions.
----
CRGT Northern Pride: ?
Unavailable: Josh Vaughan (called up to play for the Cowboys in their trial against the Broncos.
NYC U-20s Cowboys: ?
  • Note: When the original trial match against the Mackay Cutters at Darryl Bourke Oval, Moranbah was cancelled due to wet conditions, Pride coach Andrew Dunemann decided to play an intra-club trial match in Cairns instead. However Pride sponsor Skytrans offered to fly the NYC North Queensland Cowboys U-20s squad to Cairns.
    Entry to the game was $5.
    Noel Underwood was placed on report for a dangerous tackle.
    Ryan Bartlett ended his season with an ACL tear.
----
CRGT Northern Pride:
Unlimited Interchange:
Unavailable: Ryan Bartlett (ACL).
NQ Cowboys Select Squad: ?
----
CRGT Northern Pride:
Unlimited Interchange:
Unavailable: Ryan Bartlett (ACL).
Ipswich Jets: ?
  • Note: CDRL Port Douglas/Mossman Sharks RLFC hosted the match. Admission was $6.
----

Wizard Queensland Cup matches

See also: 2008 Queensland Cup season results.

CRGT Northern Pride:
Interchange:
  • = Cowboys allocation (3 players allocated for this match).
Unavailable: Ryan Bartlett (ACL).
Skills Training Mackay Cutters: 2. Chris Giumelli, 4. Anthony Perkins*, Sam Granville, Anthony Watts*, Daniel Backo*, Sione Faumuina*, Sam Faust*, 13. Adam Schubert (c), 12. Dayne Weston*, 11. Keiron Lander*, 10. John Frith*, Daniel Abraham, Jamie McDonald.
Interchange: Aaron Barba, Kerrod Toby, Matt Mannion, Jim Bryant.
  • = Cowboys allocation (8 players allocated for this match).
Coach: Shane Muspratt.
width=40 abbr="Position" Positionwidth=100 Round 1 – 2008width=20 abbr="Played" Pwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="Bye" Bwidth=40 abbr="Points for" Forwidth=40 abbr="Points against" Againstwidth=40 abbr="Points difference" Diffwidth=25 abbr="Points" Pts
1 Northern Pride110004416+282
----
CRGT Northern Pride:
Interchange:
  • = Cowboys allocation (4 players allocated for this match).
Unavailable: Ryan Bartlett (ACL)
Redcliffe Dolphins: 1. Ryan Cullen, 2. Mitch Rivett, 3. Chris Fox, 4. Tim Yee, 5. Liam Georgetown, 6. Marty Turner, 7. Craig Priestly, 8., 9. Nathan Tutt, 10. anny Burke, 11. Grant Flugge, 12. James Crombie, 13. Michael Roberts.
Interchange: 14. Brian West, 15. Derricke Watkins, 16. Michael Wilson, 17. Palmer Wapau.
Coach: Gary O'Brien.
width=40 abbr="Position" Positionwidth=100 Round 2 – 2008width=20 abbr="Played" Pwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="Bye" Bwidth=40 abbr="Points for" Forwidth=40 abbr="Points against" Againstwidth=40 abbr="Points difference" Diffwidth=25 abbr="Points" Pts
1 Northern Pride220007634+424
----
CRGT Northern Pride:
Interchange:
  • = Cowboys allocation (6 players allocated for this match).
Unavailable: Ryan Bartlett (ACL), Steven Sheppard (sternum)
Northern Suburbs Devils: 1. Todd Parnell, 2. Denan Kemp, 3. Patrick Fray, 4. Luke Samoa, 5. George Kepa, 6. Joel Moon, 7. Jacob Fauid, 13. Jack Pearson, 12. Billy Rogers, 11. Matt Forrest, 10. Ryan Barton, 9. Marc Brentnall (c), 8. Blake Blackburn.
Interchange: 14. Fletcher Holmes, 15. Luke Brosnan, 16. Troy Hansen, 17. Simona Vavega.
Coach: Mark Gee.
width=40 abbr="Position" Positionwidth=100 Round 3 – 2008width=20 abbr="Played" Pwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="Bye" Bwidth=40 abbr="Points for" Forwidth=40 abbr="Points against" Againstwidth=40 abbr="Points difference" Diffwidth=25 abbr="Points" Pts
1 Northern Pride3300012246+766
----
CRGT Northern Pride:
Interchange:
  • = Cowboys allocation (5 players allocated for this match).
Unavailable: Ryan Bartlett (ACL).
Burleigh Bears: 1. Nick Parfitt, 2. Trent Purdon, 3. Troy Savage, 4. Adam Fielder, 5. Aseri Laing, 6. Brent Mcconnell, 7. Ben Black, 13. John Flint, 12. Adam Hutchison, 11. Martin Griese, 10. Wayne Phillis, 9. Scott Smith, 8. Shane O'Flanagan.
Interchange: 14. Matt Briggs, 15. Pele Peletelese, 16. Stacey Katu, 17. Robert Apanui.
Coach: Jimmy Lenihan.
  • Note: This was the Pride debut for Drew Campbell (Pride Player 023).
width=40 abbr="Position" Positionwidth=100 Round 4 – 2008width=20 abbr="Played" Pwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="Bye" Bwidth=40 abbr="Points for" Forwidth=40 abbr="Points against" Againstwidth=40 abbr="Points difference" Diffwidth=25 abbr="Points" Pts
1 Northern Pride4400014054+868
----
CRGT Northern Pride:,
Interchange:
  • = Cowboys allocation (2 players allocated for this match).
Unavailable: Ryan Bartlett (ACL).
Souths Logan Magpies: 1. Quentin Laulu Togagae, 2. Shea Moylan, 3. Brad Cross, 4. Chad Grintell, 5. Kyle Lodge, 6. Marc Herbert, 7. Michael Dobson, 13. Josh White, 12. Lewis Balcomb, 11. Tim Cannard, 10. Cy Lasscock, 9. Glen Buttriss, 8. Daniel Joyce.
Interchange: 14. Brogan Gibson, 15. Nick Colley, 16. Mckanah Gibson, 17. Phil Dennis.
Coach: Paul Bramley.
  • Note: Broadcast live on ABC 1 TV with ABC Sport's Gerry Collins, Warren Boland and David Wright.
    This was Brett Anderson last game before leaving to play for Melbourne Storm. He returned to the Pride in 2010.
    The Pride were down by 18 points at half-time, but they scored 28 unanswered points in the second half for a dramatic come-from-behind win.
    This was the Pride debut for Hezron Murgha (Player 023).
width=40 abbr="Position" Positionwidth=100 Round 5 – 2008width=20 abbr="Played" Pwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="Bye" Bwidth=40 abbr="Points for" Forwidth=40 abbr="Points against" Againstwidth=40 abbr="Points difference" Diffwidth=25 abbr="Points" Pts
2 Northern Pride5500017478+9610
----
CRGT Northern Pride:
Interchange:
  • = Cowboys allocation (3 players allocated for this match).'
Unavailable: Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia (ribs), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm), Ryan Bartlett (ACL).
Easts Tigers: 1. Wade Liddell, 2. Tangi Ropati, 3. Liam Capewell, 4. Matt Gruszka, 5. Kev Stephensen, 6. Isaac Kaufmann, 7. Jason Connors, 13. Scott Sipple, 12. Marcus Jensen, 11. Anthony Boyd, 10. Fred Tila, 9. Trent Young, 8. Charles Tonga.
Interchange: 14. Josh Griffith, 15. Cameron Durnford, 16. Tom Macgougan, 17. Matt Lockyer.
Coach: Darren Smith.
  • Note: Stephen Sheppard was sent from the field in the second half and Joel Riethmuller suffered a season ending knee injury.
    This was the Pride debut for Adam Mills (Player 025).
width=40 abbr="Position" Positionwidth=100 Round 6 – 2008width=20 abbr="Played" Pwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="Bye" Bwidth=40 abbr="Points for" Forwidth=40 abbr="Points against" Againstwidth=40 abbr="Points difference" Diffwidth=25 abbr="Points" Pts
2 Northern Pride66000204106+9812
----
CRGT Northern Pride:
Interchange:
  • = Cowboys allocation (4 players allocated for this match).
Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm), Stephen Sheppard (sternum), Ryan Bartlett (ACL).
Tweed Heads Seagulls: 1. Ryan Milligan, 2. Cameron White, 3. Dennis Gordon, 4. James Wood, 5. Joel Rapana, 6. Brad Davis (c), 7. Tim Maccan, 13. Clint Amos, 12. Selasi Berdie, 11. Chris Enahoro, 10. Chris Farrell, 9. Matt King, 8. Roy Friend.
Interchange: 14. Billy Ngawini, 15. Adam Mansy, 16. Brock Hunter, 17. Michael Henderson.
Central Comets: 1. Nat Bowman, 2. Marty Hatfield, 3. Karl Johnson, 4. Guy Williams, 5. Jimmy Radloff, 6. Wayne Barnett, 7. Marc Fickling, 13. Mick Esdale, 12. Todd Titmus, 11. Brent Williams, 10. Brenton Williamson, 9. Kam Wilkinson, 8. Luke Fatnowna.
Interchange: 14. Logan Sullivan, 15. Matt Minto, 16. George Tuakura, 17. Luke Scott.
Coach: Wayne Barnett.
  • Note: This was the Pride's seventh game and their seventh win.
width=40 abbr="Position" Positionwidth=100 Round 7 – 2008width=20 abbr="Played" Pwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="Bye" Bwidth=40 abbr="Points for" Forwidth=40 abbr="Points against" Againstwidth=40 abbr="Points difference" Diffwidth=25 abbr="Points" Pts
1 Northern Pride77000244116+12814
----
CRGT Northern Pride:
Interchange:
  • = Cowboys allocation (3 players allocated for this match).
Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm), Ryan Bartlett (ACL).
Tweed Heads Seagulls: 1. Ryan Milligan, 2. Cameron White, 3. Dennis Gordon, 4. James Wood, 5. Joel Rapana, 6. Brad Davis (c), 7. Tim Maccan, 13. Clint Amos, 12. Selasi Berdie, 11. Chris Enahoro, 10. Chris Farrell, 9. Matt King, 8. Roy Friend.
Interchange: 14. Billy Ngawini, 15. Adam Mansy, 16. Brock Hunter, 17. Michael Henderson.
  • Note: Broadcast live on ABC 1 TV with ABC Sport's Gerry Collins, Warren Boland and David Wright.
    This was the Pride's first defeat after eight rounds of the competition.
width=40 abbr="Position" Positionwidth=100 Round 8 – 2008width=20 abbr="Played" Pwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="Bye" Bwidth=40 abbr="Points for" Forwidth=40 abbr="Points against" Againstwidth=40 abbr="Points difference" Diffwidth=25 abbr="Points" Pts
2 Northern Pride87010248150+9814
----
width=40 abbr="Position" Positionwidth=100 Round 9 – 2008width=20 abbr="Played" Pwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="Bye" Bwidth=40 abbr="Points for" Forwidth=40 abbr="Points against" Againstwidth=40 abbr="Points difference" Diffwidth=25 abbr="Points" Pts
2 Northern Pride87011248150+9816
----
CRGT Northern Pride:
Interchange:
  • = Cowboys allocation (2 players allocated for this match).
Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm, Ryan Bartlett (ACL), Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia (knee), Alex Starmer (shoulder).
Wynnum-Manly Seagulls: 1. David Seage, 2. Jason Moon, 3. Simon Phillips, 4. Chris Mcqueen, 5. Chris Currie, 6. Chris Birch, 7. Matt Seamark, 13. Dallas Mcilwain, 12. Adam Brideson, 11. Luke Dalziel Don, 10. Ben Czislowski, 9. Aoterangi Herangi, 8. Jason Williams.
Interchange: 14. Chris Muckert, 15. Fili Sofa, 16. John Te Reo, 17. Darren Bain.
Coach: Shane Mcnally.
width=40 abbr="Position" Positionwidth=100 Round 10 – 2008width=20 abbr="Played" Pwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="Bye" Bwidth=40 abbr="Points for" Forwidth=40 abbr="Points against" Againstwidth=40 abbr="Points difference" Diffwidth=25 abbr="Points" Pts
3 Northern Pride97021264176+8816
----
CRGT Northern Pride:
Interchange:
  • = Cowboys allocation (3 players allocated for this match).
Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm, Ryan Bartlett (ACL).
Ipswich Jets: 1. Troy O'Sullivan, 2. Scott Ireland, 3. Donald Malone, 4. Jason Bulgarelli, 5. Brendan Marshall, 6. Josh Lewis, 7. Ian Lacey, 13. Danny Coburn, 12. Kris Kahler, 11. Trevor Exton, 10. Isaak Ah Mau, 9. Michael Ryan, 8. Aaron Sweeney.
Interchange: 14. Todd Riggs, 15. Matthew Mcphee, 16. Scott Alo, 17. Leigh Coghill.
Coach: Kevin Walters.
  • Note: Broadcast live on ABC 1 TV with ABC Sport's Gerry Collins, Warren Boland and David Wright.
    This was the Pride debut for Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia, Jamie Frizzo, and Chris Afamasaga (Players 026, 029 & 030).
width=40 abbr="Position" Positionwidth=100 Round 11 – 2008width=20 abbr="Played" Pwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="Bye" Bwidth=40 abbr="Points for" Forwidth=40 abbr="Points against" Againstwidth=40 abbr="Points difference" Diffwidth=25 abbr="Points" Pts
2 Northern Pride108021294192+10218
----
CRGT Northern Pride:
Interchange:
  • = Cowboys allocation (3 players allocated for this match).
Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm, Ryan Bartlett (ACL).
Skills Training Mackay Cutters: 1. Daniel Flynn, 2. Chris Giumelli, 3. Royston Lightning, 4. Anthony Perkins, 5. Dean Tass, 6. Shane Muspratt, 7. Todd Seymour, 13. Keiron Lander, 12. Dayne Weston, 11. Kerrod Toby, 10. John Frith, 9. George Gatis, 8. Joshua Rovelli.
Interchange: 14. Luke Srama, 15. Cody Norton, 16. Brendan Crouch, 17. Quinton Fielder.
Coach: Shane Muspratt.
width=40 abbr="Position" Positionwidth=100 Round 12 – 2008width=20 abbr="Played" Pwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="Bye" Bwidth=40 abbr="Points for" Forwidth=40 abbr="Points against" Againstwidth=40 abbr="Points difference" Diffwidth=25 abbr="Points" Pts
2 Northern Pride119021312204+10820
----
CRGT Northern Pride:
Interchange:
  • = Cowboys allocation (5 players allocated for this match).
Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm, Ryan Bartlett (ACL), Chris Sheppard (representative duties).
Redcliffe Dolphins: 1. Ryan Cullen, 2. Kaine Manihera, 3. Chris Fox, 4. Matt Harris, 5. Tim Yee, 6. Michael Wilson, 7. Shane Perry, 13. Nathan Tutt, 12. Danny Burke, 11. Grant Flugge, 10. James Crombie, 9. Michael Roberts, 8. Troy Lindsay.
Interchange: 14. Derrick Watkins, 15. Nick Walker, 16. Brian West, 17. Lachlan Morgan.
Coach: Gary O'Brien.
  • Note: In the second half Mark Cantoni was taken to hospital with a broken arm.
width=40 abbr="Position" Positionwidth=100 Round 13 – 2008width=20 abbr="Played" Pwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="Bye" Bwidth=40 abbr="Points for" Forwidth=40 abbr="Points against" Againstwidth=40 abbr="Points difference" Diffwidth=25 abbr="Points" Pts
3 Northern Pride129031312230+8220
----
CRGT Northern Pride:
Interchange:
  • = Cowboys allocation (3 players allocated for this match).
Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm, Ryan Bartlett (ACL), Chris Sheppard (representative duties), Greg Byrnes (representative duties), Mark Cantoni (broken arm).
Northern Suburbs Devils: 1. Todd Parnell, 2. Reece Robinson, 3. Rodney Davies, 4. Luke Samoa, 5. David Kramer, 6. Sean Yorston, 7. Jack Pearson, 13. Billy Rogers, 12. Troy Hansen, 11. Matthew Forrest, 10. Blake Blackburn, 9. Fletcher Holmes, 8. Andrew Lomu.
Interchange: 14. Simona Vavega, 15. Jarrad Stack, 16. Nathan Strudwick, 17. Tariq Sims.
Coach: Mark Gee.
  • Note: This was the Pride debut for Rod Griffin (Player 031).
width=40 abbr="Position" Positionwidth=100 Round 14 – 2008width=20 abbr="Played" Pwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="Bye" Bwidth=40 abbr="Points for" Forwidth=40 abbr="Points against" Againstwidth=40 abbr="Points difference" Diffwidth=25 abbr="Points" Pts
3 Northern Pride1310031352254+9822
----
CRGT Northern Pride:
Interchange:
  • = Cowboys allocation (3 players allocated for this match).
Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm, Ryan Bartlett (ACL), Mark Cantoni (broken arm), Chey Bird (sternum).
Burleigh Bears: 1. Nick Parfitt, 2. Trent Purdon, 3. Dave Tehuia, 4. Adam Fielder, 5. Aseri Laing, 6. Brent Mcconnell, 7. Murray Emmerson, 13. Robert Apanui, 12. Shane O'Flanagan, 11. Martin Griese, 10. James Griffiths, 9. Scott Smith, 8. Wayne Phillis.
Interchange: 14. Pele Peletelese, 15. Josh Blatch, 16. Travis Simpson, 17. John Flint.
Coach: Jimmy Lenihan.
  • Note: This was the Pride debut for Luke Harlen (Player 032) who signed with the Pride this week after being released from Wests Tigers.
width=40 abbr="Position" Positionwidth=100 Round 15 – 2008width=20 abbr="Played" Pwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="Bye" Bwidth=40 abbr="Points for" Forwidth=40 abbr="Points against" Againstwidth=40 abbr="Points difference" Diffwidth=25 abbr="Points" Pts
3 Northern Pride1411041380266+11422
----
CRGT Northern Pride:
Interchange:
  • = Cowboys allocation (2 players allocated for this match).
Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm, Ryan Bartlett (ACL), Mark Cantoni (broken arm), Chey Bird (sternum).
Souths Logan Magpies: 1. Quentin Laulu Togagae, 2. Chad Grintell, 3. Brad Cross, 4. Shea Moylan, 5. Kyle Lodge, 6. Marc Herbert, 7. Phil Dennis, 13. Shaun Fensom, 12. Josh White, 11. Lewis Balcomb, 10. Cy Lasscock, 9. Paul Stanley, 8. Daniel Joyce.
Interchange: 14. Sam Mataora, 15. Brendan Waller, 16. Pere Williams, 17. Tim Cannard.
Coach: Paul Bramley.
  • Note: The Dawsons Engineering FNQ Cyclones side played the opening game as part of the ARL Masters National Carnival.
width=40 abbr="Position" Positionwidth=100 Round 16 – 2008width=20 abbr="Played" Pwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="Bye" Bwidth=40 abbr="Points for" Forwidth=40 abbr="Points against" Againstwidth=40 abbr="Points difference" Diffwidth=25 abbr="Points" Pts
3 Northern Pride152031396278+11826
----
CRGT Northern Pride:
Interchange:
  • = Cowboys allocation (3 players allocated for this match).
Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm, Ryan Bartlett (ACL), Mark Cantoni (broken arm), Chey Bird (sternum).
Easts Tigers: 1. Kev Stephensen, 2. Tangi Ropati, 3. Liam Campbell, 4. Luke Wright, 5. Luke Archer, 6. Matt Lockyer, 7. Nathan Pill, 13. Wallace Solomona, 12. Scott Sipple, 11. Marcus Jensen, 10. Fabian Soutar, 9. Trent Henrick, 8. Pat Gardner.
Interchange: 14. Walter Vaeau, 15. John Reece, 16. Fred Tila, 17. Wade Liddell.
Coach: Darren Smith.
width=40 abbr="Position" Positionwidth=100 Round 17 – 2008width=20 abbr="Played" Pwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="Bye" Bwidth=40 abbr="Points for" Forwidth=40 abbr="Points against" Againstwidth=40 abbr="Points difference" Diffwidth=25 abbr="Points" Pts
1 Northern Pride1613031422288+13428
----
CRGT Northern Pride:
Interchange:
  • = Cowboys allocation (1 player allocated for this match).
Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm, Ryan Bartlett (ACL), Mark Cantoni (broken arm), Chey Bird (sternum).
Central Comets: 1. Guy Wiliams, 2. Marty Hatfield, 3. Karl Johnson, 4. Mitchell Zornig, 5. Dallas Williams, 6. Nat Bowman, 7. Marc Fickling, 13. Wayne Barnett, 12. Tyron Haynes, 11. Logan Sullivan, 10. Brent Williams, 9. Shanan Wood, 8. George Tuakura.
Interchange: 14. Todd Titmus, 15. Kam Wilkinson, 16. Andrew Dale, 17. Liam Anlezark.
Coach: Wayne Barnett.
width=40 abbr="Position" Positionwidth=100 Round 18 – 2008width=20 abbr="Played" Pwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="Bye" Bwidth=40 abbr="Points for" Forwidth=40 abbr="Points against" Againstwidth=40 abbr="Points difference" Diffwidth=25 abbr="Points" Pts
2 Northern Pride1713041438316+12228
----
CRGT Northern Pride:
Interchange:
  • = Cowboys allocation (1 player allocated for this match).
Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm, Ryan Bartlett (ACL), Mark Cantoni (broken arm), Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia (knee), Drew Campbell (knee), Chris Afamasaga (sternum).
Tweed Heads Seagulls: 1. Shayne Joyce, 2. Luke Dumas, 3. Dennis Gordon, 4. James Wood, 5. Joel Rapana, 6. Daniel Evans, 7. Tim Maccan, 13. Matthew Pow, 12. Adam Mansy, 11. Selasi Berdie, 10. Ian Donnelly, 9. Matt King, 8. Chris Farrell.
Interchange: 14. Billy Ngawini, 15. Jack Rampling, 16. Roy Friend, 17. Andre Amato.
Coach: Michael Woods.
  • Note: This was the Pride debut for halfback Luke Millwood and outside back Eric Warria (Players 033 & 034).
    Pride players wore yellow armbands as part of the Cancer Council's National "Call To Arms" campaign. The Pride also contribute $1 from every ticket sold and game day sponsor Skytrans gave a bonus of $100 for every try scored and $50 for every goal converted.
width=40 abbr="Position" Positionwidth=100 Round 19 – 2008width=20 abbr="Played" Pwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="Bye" Bwidth=40 abbr="Points for" Forwidth=40 abbr="Points against" Againstwidth=40 abbr="Points difference" Diffwidth=25 abbr="Points" Pts
3 Northern Pride1813051458350+10828
----
width=40 abbr="Position" Positionwidth=100 Round 20 – 2008width=20 abbr="Played" Pwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="Bye" Bwidth=40 abbr="Points for" Forwidth=40 abbr="Points against" Againstwidth=40 abbr="Points difference" Diffwidth=25 abbr="Points" Pts
2 Northern Pride1813052458350+10830
----
CRGT Northern Pride:
Interchange:
  • = Cowboys allocation (3 players allocated for this match).
Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm, Ryan Bartlett (ACL), Chris Afamasaga (resigned).
Wynnum Manly Seagulls: 1. David Seage, 2. Ryan Brown, 3. Jason Moon, 4. Chris Mcqueen, 5. Chris Currie, 6. Chris Birch, 7. Matt Seamark, 13. Simon Phillips, 12. Adam Brideson, 11. Darren Bain, 10. Ben Czislowski, 9. Aoterangi Herangi, 8. Jason Williams.
Interchange: 14. Chris Muckert, 15. Angus Martin, 16. John Te Reo, 17. Guy Ford.
Coach: Shane Mcnally.
width=40 abbr="Position" Positionwidth=100 Round 21 – 2008width=20 abbr="Played" Pwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="Bye" Bwidth=40 abbr="Points for" Forwidth=40 abbr="Points against" Againstwidth=40 abbr="Points difference" Diffwidth=25 abbr="Points" Pts
3 Northern Pride1913062474386+8830
----
CRGT Northern Pride:
Interchange:
  • = Cowboys allocation (2 players allocated for this match).
Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm, Ryan Bartlett (ACL), Mark Cantoni (broken arm), Chris Afamasaga (resigned), Adam Mills (ankle).
Ipswich Jets: 1. Troy O'Sullivan, 2. Scott Ireland, 3. Donald Malone, 4. Jason Bulgarelli, 5. Smith Samau, 6. Brendan Marshall, 7. Ian Lacey, 13. Dan Coburn, 12. Trevor Exton, 11. Matthew Mcphee, 10. Isaak Ah Mau, 9. Michael Ryan, 8. Aaron Sweeney.
Interchange: 14. Adam Boettcher, 15. Scott Alo, 16. Danny Coburn, 17. Kurtis Lingwoodock.
Coach: Kevin Walters.
width=40 abbr="Position" Positionwidth=100 Round 22 – 2008width=20 abbr="Played" Pwidth=20 abbr="Won" Wwidth=20 abbr="Drawn" Dwidth=20 abbr="Lost" Lwidth=20 abbr="Bye" Bwidth=40 abbr="Points for" Forwidth=40 abbr="Points against" Againstwidth=40 abbr="Points difference" Diffwidth=25 abbr="Points" Pts
3 Northern Pride2013072494416+7830
----

2008 ladder

Northern Pride (regular season 2008)

Finals Series


CRGT Northern Pride:
Interchange:
  • = Cowboys allocation.
Unavailable: Alex Starmer (knee).
Souths Logan Magpies: 1. Quentin Laulu Togagae, 2. Pere Williams, 3. Chad Grintell, 4. Shea Moylan, 5. Mathew Templeman, 6. Brad Cross, 7. Brogan Gibson, 13. Kyle Lodge, 12. Josh White, 11. Tim Cannard, 10. Lewis Balcomb, 9. Mckanah Gibson, 8. Daniel Joyce.
Interchange: 14. Nick Colley, 15. Chris Daly, 16. Sean Mcbride, 17. Liam Mcdonald.
Coach: Paul Bramley.
----
CRGT Northern Pride:
Interchange:
  • = Cowboys allocation.
Unavailable: Chris Sheppard (foot).
Ipswich Jets: 1. Troy O'Sullivan, 2. Scott Ireland, 3. Donald Malone, 4. Brendan Marshall, 5. Smith Samau, 6. Josh Lewis, 7. Ian Lacey, 13. Dan Coburn, 12. Trevor Exton, 11. Kurtis Lingwoodock, 10. Isaak Ah Mau, 9. Michael Ryan, 8. Aaron Sweeney.
Interchange: 14. Adam Boettcher, 15. Matt Mcphee, 16. Leigh Coghill, 17. Jason Bulgarelli.
Coach: Kevin Walters.
----
CRGT Northern Pride:
Interchange:
  • = Cowboys allocation.
Unavailable: Chris Sheppard (foot), Rod Griffin (concussion), Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia.
Souths Logan Magpies: 1. Quentin Laulu Togagae, 2. Mathew Templeman, 3. Kyle Lodge, 4. Chad Grintell, 5. Shea Moylan, 6. Brad Cross, 7. Alby Talipeau, 13. Josh White, 12. Lewis Balcomb, 11. Tim Cannard, 10. Liam Mcdonald, 9. Mckanah Gibson, 8. Daniel Joyce.
Interchange: 14. Graham Levu, 15. Brogan Gibson, 16. Nick Colley, 17. Dashae Francis.
Coach: Paul Bramley.
  • Note: The score was 12-all at full time, and Souths Logan Magpies scored after 8 minutes of extra time.
    Broadcast live on ABC 1 TV with ABC Sport's Gerry Collins, Warren Boland and David Wright.
    This was the Pride debut for Callan Myles (Player 035).
    The Pride used 35 different players this season. Ben Laity and Josh Vaughan played all 23 games this season.
----

2008 Northern Pride players

Pride playerAppearancesTriesGoalsField GoalsPts
Adam Mills 14 1 0 0 4
Alex Starmer 18 0 0 0 0
Ben Kerr 3 0 0 0 0
23 2 0 0 8
5 6 0 0 24
Callan Myles 1 0 0 0 0
Chey Bird 19 5 65 0 150
Chris Afamasaga 8 1 0 0 4
18 2 4 0 16
Drew Campbell 12 8 0 0 32
Eric Warria 1 0 0 0 0
20 6 0 0 24
Gordon Rattler 9 3 0 0 12
Hezron Murgha 19 7 0 0 28
Jamie Frizzo 13 5 0 0 20
Jason Roos 19 5 0 0 20
6 2 0 0 8
Josh Vaughan 23 13 0 0 52
6 2 0 0 8
Luke Millwood 4 2 0 0 8
17 4 0 0 16
Noel Underwood 15 0 0 0 0
Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia 10 2 8 0 24
Richie Marsters 1 0 0 0 0
10 2 0 0 8
Stephen Sheppard 11 3 0 0 12
Warren Jensen 17 3 0 0 12
Ryan Bartlett Trial Game 0 0 0 0
Shaun Cribb Trial Game 0 0 0 0

North Queensland Cowboys who played for the Pride in 2008

Cowboys playerAppearancesTriesGoalsField GoalsPts
Ben Vaeau* 12 3 0 0 12
David Faiumu*5 1 0 0 4
Jackson Nicolau* 19 7 0 0 28
John Williams* 1 0 0 0 0
Matthew Bartlett* 9 4 0 0 16
Scott Bolton* 14 1 0 0 4
Steve Southern* 1 0 0 0 0
Ty Williams* 7 2 0 0 8

2008 venues

The Pride played matches at 15 different venues this year, 14 in Queensland and one in NSW:

2008 televised games

In 2008 games were televised by ABC TV and shown live across Queensland through the ABC1 channel at 2.00pm (AEST) on Saturday afternoons. The commentary team was Gerry Collins, Warren Boland and David Wright.

The Pride appeared in six televised games this season:

External links

-16.9303°N 145.7672°W

Notes and References

  1. News: Greenwood . Emma . 30 June 2007 . Pride of the North ... and the winner is ... Northern Pride . Cairns Post . Cairns .
  2. Web site: Cairns and Mackay Granted Entry . www.qrl.com.au . 12 January 2022 . 24 July 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080724023622/http://www.qrl.com.au/display.php?pg_id=3355 . 24 July 2008 .
  3. News: Greenwood . Emma . 12 September 2007 . Cowboys connection seals Pride coaching deal for journeyman . Cairns Post . Cairns .
  4. Web site: NRL swoops on Pride's top gun.
  5. News: . 7 September 2007 . Dunemann takes reins at Cairns . Townsville Bulletin . Townsville .
  6. Web site: Statistics at rugbyleagueproject.org. Rugby League Project. 31 December 2017. 1 January 2018.
  7. News: Storey . Cameron . 18 October 2007 . Far Northern talent takes Pride of place . Cairns Post . Cairns .
  8. News: Petersen . Brad . 26 July 2007 . Sheppard starts Pride flock Cairns Queensland Cup bid makes its first signing . Cairns Post . Cairns .
  9. News: Greenwood . Emma . 17 March 2008 . Pride win buoys coach . Cairns Post . Cairns .
  10. News: Greenwood . Emma . 17 March 2008 . Match planning debacle leaves Pride with little to be proud of . Cairns Post . Cairns .
  11. News: . 4 May 2008 . Seagulls finally show signs of pride . The Sunday Mail . Brisbane .
  12. News: Greenwood . Emma . 14 March 2008 . New team wants Pride of place in semi-finals . Cairns Post . Cairns .
  13. Queensland Rugby League 2008 Draw Retrieved 17 Dec 2007
  14. News: Greenwood . Emma . 30 October 2008 . Pride at stake in Roo deal . Cairns Post . Cairns .
  15. News: . 17 December 2008 . Pride in football club's wellbeing . Cairns Post . Cairns .
  16. News: . 27 September 2007 . Northern Pride kicks off with dough . Cairns Post . Cairns .
  17. News: Omaro . Leslie . 1 February 2008 . Kumul duo miss out . Papua New Guinea Post-Courier . Port Moresby .
  18. News: Greenwood. Emma . 5 November 2007 . Pride berths up for grabs Classy backs bolster Queensland Cup club's stocks . Cairns Post . Cairns .
  19. News: . 15 December 2007 . Northern Pride shows off its true colours . Cairns Post . Cairns .
  20. News: . 24 January 2008 . Pride in Daintree . Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette . Port Douglas .
  21. News: . 5 March 2008 . Day of fun for lagoon birthday . Cairns Post . Cairns .
  22. News: Greenwood . Emma . 27 September 2008 . Top Pride honour to Sheppard . Cairns Post . Cairns .
  23. Web site: Custom Match List. Rugby League Project. 2015-10-14.
  24. Web site: PNG name preliminary squad. RLWC.com. 2008-08-01. 2008-08-06.
  25. News: Wilshere handed Kumuls captaincy. BBC. 2008-10-14. 2008-10-14.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "2008 Northern Pride RLFC season".

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