North Queensland powerhouse club Northern Pride have lost a lot of experience in the off-season with the retirements of six key players including 2015 co-captains Jason Roos and Brett Anderson.
However, they have launched a new initiative for 2016 which will provide more opportunities to the Cairns District Rugby League’s best talent to play Intrust Super Cup via a portability program.
They have also picked up two handy graduates of the NYC competition, with Brayden Torpy (Gold Coast) and Cowboy Akeripa Tia Kilifi (brother of Pride forward Vaipuna) joining the side.
Northern Pride
Gains: Khan Ahwang (Burleigh Bears), RJ Opetaia-Halls (Central Capras), Brayden Torpy (Gold Coast Titans NYC), Akeripa Tia Kilifi (North Queensland Cowboys NYC), Ben Reuter (Innisfail Brothers), Col Wilkie (Innisfail Brothers)
Losses: Sam Obst (retired), Alex Starmer (retired), Hezron Murgha (retired), Jason Roos (retired), Brett Anderson (retired), Semi Tadulala (retired), Graham Clark (Canterbury Bulldogs), Nathan Wales (travel), Regan Verney (Mackay Cutters), Brent Oosen (work) Maddie Oosen (released), Dean McGilvray (released)
Where they finished in 2015: 6th (eliminated Week 1 finals)
2016 coach: Joe O’Callaghan
Other clubs:
CQ Capras
Wynnum Manly Seagulls
Norths Devils
Redcliffe Dolphins
