2009 was the second competitive season for the Cairns based CRGT Northern Pride Rugby League Football Club. They were one of 12 clubs that played in the fourteenth season of Queensland's top rugby league competition, QRL's Wizard Queensland Cup.
The readmission of the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles meant 12 clubs competed. with each club playing 11 home games and 11 away games over 26 weeks between March and August.[1]
The Northern Pride worked through the financial troubles they faced at the end of last season, with the North Queensland Cowboys and NRL partnerships guaranteeing funding.[2] New chairman, Bob Fowler, submitted a revised budget for the 2009 season, noting that the former chairman's financial guarantees to cover any shortfall would not be honoured. QRL Managing Director Ross Livermore and QRL Competitions and Operations Manager Bill Hunter approved the new budget.[3] The Pride trained and operated out of their new home, Pride Oval on Irene Street, Mooroobool, and held their first match there, a pre-season trial against PNG Telikom Sun Engineering Resident Kumuls, attracting over 4,000 spectators.[4] The club launched an email newsletter for members called 'Pride Pulse e-newsletter'.
In order to avoid the Wet season rain and a repeat of last seasons Round 1 mud-bath, the Pride's first two matches were away games. Home games were moved from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Saturdays, and for the first time, a Friday night home match was scheduled on the Queen's Birthday long weekend.[5] The QRL expanded the finals series from five teams to six for the 2009 season.
There was some controversy in Round 9 when Mackay Cuttershooker Roy Baira broke Pride five-eighth Luke Millwood's jaw in a high tackle. Referee Brendon Rose penalised the Cutters and placed Baira on report, but did not send him off. Pride coach Dunneman questioned the referees decision, and later questioned the QRL tribunal after Baira was banned for only four weeks for the offence. The QRL fined the Pride $3,000 for Dunemann's comments.[6]
Although the Pride lost three consecutive games between Rounds 14 and 16, they won four of the last five rounds. They finished in second place with fourteen wins for the season, four points behind the minor-premiers, Souths Logan Magpies, and one place better than they finished last year. Second place meant the Pride got to host their week 1 final game, the first ever home final appearance. There was a scheduling clash at Barlow Park, as rival code CDRU had already booked the ground for their grand final. The Pride agreed to delay kick-off until 8:00 pm, when they comprehensively beat Norths Devils 44-16.[7]
The victory should have allowed the Pride to host the preliminary final, but the match was scheduled to be broadcast on TV and the ABC were unable to make outside broadcasts from Cairns.[8] Despite a petition signed by over 750 Pride players, fans, administrators, local Councillors and MPs wishing to keep the game in FNQ, the TV rights prevailed, and the game was played 1,700 kilometres away in Brisbane in front of a small crowd.[9] Despite the loss of home-ground advantage, the Pride beat Central Comets to reach their maiden Grand Final against newcomers Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles.
Coach Andrew Dunemann initially signed up for another year as the Pride's coach, but after a chance meeting with NRL's Newcastle Knights coach Rick Stone, he resigned to take up a position as assistant coach under Stone.[12]
A survey conducted by Cumming Economic determined the Northern Pride's economic benefit to the Cairns region in 2009 was $7,000,000.[13]
PNG Telikom Sun Engineering Resident Kumuls: Joshua Poria, Charles Ongluglo, Anton Kui, Larsen Marabe, Elizah Riyong, Mark Mexico, Geno Kima, Rodney Pora, Opisa Pomba, Nixon Kolo, George Moni, Sigfred Gande, Leonard Otmar, Benjamin John, Ham Tee, Johnson Kuike, Junior Ropra, Dion Aiye.
Unlimited Interchange: 14. Adam Mills 15. Tom Humble16. Ben Kerr 17. Robbie Kyles 18. Jamie Frizzo 19. Rod Griffin20. Gordon Rattler 21. Jason Roos 22. Josh Vaughan.
NYC U-20s Cowboys: Sam Bowie, Mitch Zornig, Steve Eliott, Moses Pangai, Chippie Korostchuck, Ben Cronin, Ray Thompson, Dane Hogan, Michael Morgan, Dylan Smith, Troyden Watene, Chris Faust, Tyson Martin.
Unlimited Interchange: James Segeyaro, Ryan Mahoney, Aiden Day, Ben Morgan, John Koko, Jared Huston, Ben Henaway, Jared Cockburn, Wayne Ulugia.
Unlimited Interchange: 14. Luke Millwood 15. Noel Underwood 16. Callan Myles 17. Gordon Rattler 18. Adam Mills 19. Rod Griffin20. Warren Jensen 21. Ben Hampton*
Ipswich Jets: 1. Chris Walker, 2. Scott Ireland, 3. Paoa Faamita, 4. Brendon Marshall, 5. Tyson Lofipo, 6. Jeremy Golf, 7. Matt Sharp, 13. Chris Afamasaga, 12. Lorenzo Maafu, 11. Warren Schilling, 10. Ian Donnelly, 9. Ian Lacey, 8. Paul Stephenson.
Interchange: 14. Liam Capewell, 15. Tamati Talanoa, 16. Jacob Ling, 17. Chris Vaefaga.
Barlow Park (Severin Street, Parramatta Park, QLD) Referee: Nick Kalpakidis Touch Judges: Robert Dalziel and Adam Peut Interchange Official: Daniel Caamano
Pizzey Park (Miami, Gold Coast, QLD) Broadcast live on ABC 1 TV Referee: Clayton Sharpe. Touch Judges: Shane Spicer and Glenn Richardson. Interchange Official: Gavin Adams. Video Referee: Tony Maksoud.
Burleigh Bears: 1. Nick Parfitt, 2. Joel Rapana, 3. Adam Fielder, 4. Daniel Isaac, 5. Kaine Manihera, 6. Jacob Fauid, 7. Brent Mcconnell, 13. Matt Pow, 12. Tanu Wulf, 11. Robert Apanui, 10. Pele Peletelese, 9. Scott Smith (c), 8. Brett O Farrell.
Interchange: 14. Aaron Sweeney, 15. Ryan Wilson, 16. Kale Burton, 17. Marty Paulson.
Barlow Park (Severin Street, Parramatta Park, QLD) Referee: Justin Davis Touch Judges: Michael Inman and Daniel Caamano Interchange Official: Rob Dalziel
Interchange: 14. Rod Jensen, 15. Nick Slyney*, 16. Alex Starmer, 17. Noel Underwood.
* = Cowboys allocation.
Wynnum-Manly Seagulls: 1. Simon Phillips, 2. Shaun Daylight, 3. Jason Moon, 4. Gerard Beale, 5. Chris Currie, 6. Ben Green, 7. Matt Seamark, 13. Adam Brideson, 12. Darren Bain, 11. Luke Dalziel Don, 10. Chris Muckert, 9. Aoterangi Herangi, 8. Jason Williams.
Note: Pride sponsors CRGT became Skill360. North Queensland Cowboys players Carl Webb* and John Williams* were dropped from this week's first grade match against Cronulla Sharks for disciplinary reasons (missing training) and played for the Pride. This was the Pride debut for Carl Webb* (Player 046).
Redcliffe Dolphins: 1. Liam Georgetown, 2. Allan Heldsinger, 3. Chris Fox, 4. Alwyn Simpson, 5. Andrew Rickertt, 6. Palmer Wapau, 7. Dane Campbell, 13. Derrick Watkins, 12. Danny Burke, 11. Brian West, 10. James Crombie, 9. Tommy Butterfield, 8. Matt Handcock.
Interchange: 14. Craig Priestly, 15. Troy Giess, 16. Pat Mcpherson, 17. Chris Farrell.
Mackay Cutters: 1. Donald Malone, 2. Anthony Perkins, 3. Royston Lightning, 4. Sam Granville, 5. Chris Giumelli, 6. Daniel Abraham, 7. Todd Seymour, 13. Grant Moore, 12. Darren Griffiths, 11. Jardine Bobongie, 10. Joshua Rovelli, 9. Anthony Watts, 8. Dayne Weston.
Interchange: 14. Roy Baira, 15. Michael Comerford, 16. Regan Hyde, 17. Jerome Iakimo.
Coach: Shane Muspratt.
Note: Cutter Roy Baira received a four-week ban from the Queensland Rugby League judiciary tribunal after being found guilty of a grade three reckless high tackle on Pride's Luke Millwood which broke his jaw. The Northern Pride were fined $3,000 after coach Dunemann questioned the leniency of the penalty. This was Mark Cantoni, Hezron Murgha and Chris Sheppard's 25th game for the Pride.
Souths Logan Magpies: 1. Shea Moylan, 2. Sam Huihahau, 3. James Stuart, 4. Brad Cross, 5. Michael Brophy, 6. Phil Dennis (c), 7. Matt Smith, 13. Lewis Balcomb, 12. Andrew Edwards, 11. Josh White, 10. Liam Mcdonald, 9. Paul Stanley, 8. Nick Skinner.
Interchange: 14. Chad Grintell, 15. Matt King, 16. ? 17. ?
Barlow Park (Severin Street, Parramatta Park, QLD) Referee: Nick Kalpakidis Touch Judges: Michael Inman and Adam Puet Interchange Official: Rob Dalziel
Unavailable: Jamie Frizzo (broken cheekbone), Luke Millwood (broken jaw), Luke Harlen (knee).
Ipswich Jets: 1. Troy Osullivan, 2. Ramon Filipine, 3. Jackson Nicolau, 4. Brendan Marshall, 5. Luke Walker, 6. Jeremy Golf, 7. Ian Lacey, 13. Dan Coburn, 12. Matt Mcphee, 11. Dan Fullarton, 10. Matthew White, 9. Michael Ryan, 8. Paul Stephenson.
Langlands Park (Stones Corner, Brisbane, QLD) Referee: Chris Butler. Touch Judges: Steve Kanowski and Peter Anderson. Interchange Official: Jason King.
Stockland Park (Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina, Kawana Waters, QLD) Broadcast live on ABC 1 TV Referee: Clayton Sharpe Touch Judges: Rod Spain and Andrew Wareham Interchange Official:Terry Pascoe Video Referee: Tony Maksoud
Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles: 1. Dennis Sandow, 2. Michael Chapman, 3. Shane Neumann, 4. Ryan Walker, 5. Mark Page, 6. Jack Pearson, 7. Trent Hodkinson, 13. Jon Muir, 12. Andrew Gray, 11. Jon Grieve, 10. Vic Mauro, 9. Cameron Joyce, 8. Phil Morwood.
Interchange: 14. Simon Allen, 15. Rob Godfrey, 16. Steven Mcphee, 17. Junior Palau.
Burleigh Bears: 1. Marty Paulson, 2. Joel Rapana, 3. Adam Fielder, 4. Daniel Isaac, 5. Nick Parfitt, 6. Jacob Fauid, 7. Brent Mcconnell, 13. Matt Pow, 12. Robert Apanui, 11. Martin Griese, 10. Aaron Sweeney, 9. Kurt Sorensen, 8. Kale Burton.
Interchange: 14. Ryan Wilson, 15. Tanu Wulf, 16. Brett O Farrell, 17. Jamie Judge.
Wynnum Manly Seagulls: 1. Simon Phillips, 2. Shaun Cotter, 3. Jason Moon, 4. David Georgiou, 5. David Seage, 6. Chris Birch, 7. Matt Seamark, 13. Adam Brideson, 12. Lachlan Morgan, 11. Luke Dalziel Don, 10. Will Scanlan, 9. Aoterangi Herangi, 8. Jason Williams.
Dolphin Oval (Klingner Road, Redcliffe, QLD) Broadcast live on ABC 1 TV Attendance: Match Report Referee: Justin Davis Touch Judges: Steve Kanowski and Andrew Wareham Interchange Official: Jason King Video Referee: Tony Maksoud
Redcliffe Dolphins: 1. Liam Georgetown, 2. Alwyn Simpson, 3. Mitch Rivett, 4. Andrew Rickertt, 5. Piripi Neho Popata, 6. Ryan Ghetti, 7. Craig Priestly, 13. Matt Handcock, 12. Danny Burke, 11. Palmer Wapau, 10. James Crombie, 9. Tom Butterfield, 8. Chris Farrell.
Interchange: 14. Allan Heldsinger, 15. Troy Lindsay, 16. Adam Marr, 17. Gene Vaafusuaga.
Coach: Gary O'Brien.
Note: Broadcast live on ABC 1 TV with ABC Sport's Gerry Collins, Warren Boland and David Wright. Tom Humble scored 34 points in this game, which was a Pride record for most points in a single game. Humble also scored 4 tries, which equalled the Pride's record held by Brett Anderson of 4 tries against the Mackay Cutters in the Pride's first ever game, Round 1 on 15 March 2008. This was Jamie Frizzo's 25th game for the Pride.
Mackay Junior Fields (Bridge Road, South Mackay, QLD) Referee: Justin Davis Touch Judges: Clinton Begg and Chris Anderson Interchange Official: Zane Wright
BMD Kougari Oval (Manly West, Brisbane, QLD) Broadcast live on ABC 1 TV. Referee: Michael Wise. Touch judges: Steve Kanowski, Andrew Wareham. Interchange Official: Jason King. Video Referee: Tony Maksoud.
Central Comets: 1. Tom Hewitt, 2. Matt Sing, 3. Karl Johnson, 4. Tyron Haynes, 5. Dallas Williams, 6. Nat Bowman, 7. Marc Fickling, 13. Mick Esdale, 12. Guy Williams, 11. Alan Rothery, 10. Aaron Summers, 9. Ian Webster, 8. George Tuakura.
Note: Broadcast live on ABC 1 TV with ABC Sport's Gerry Collins, Warren Boland and David Wright. This match was supposed to be a Pride home game, but it was moved to a neutral venue as the ABC could not provide an outside broadcast unit – Report
Stockland Park (Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina, Kawana Waters, QLD) Broadcast live on ABC 1 TV Attendance: 3,000 Referee: Clayton Sharpe Touch judges: David Shaw, Steve Kanowski Interchange Officials: Jason King and Tony Graham Video Referee: Tony Maksoud Player of the Match: Tony Williams (Sunshine Coast)
The Northern Pride, who finished the regular season in second, qualified for their first Grand Final after a 22–10 win over the Central Comets in the preliminary final. They were joined by the Sunshine Coast, who finished fourth in their return season, after they defeated reigning premiers Souths Logan 30–26 in the preliminary final.
First half
The Pride opened the scoring in the fifth minute when they created a huge overlap, with centre Jamie Frizzo finishing off the play with a try. The Sunshine Coast responded quickly when five-eighth Tony Williams bumped off a defender and threw an offload to centre Shane Neumann who crossed for his first try. The Sea Eagles hit the lead in the 27th minute when winger Michael Chapman scored untouched in the corner. They scored again four minutes later when Ryan Walker scored in the opposite corner. Poor goal kicking kept the Pride in the contest, as Williams missed all three conversion attempts. The Pride converted a penalty from right in front on the stroke of half time to trail by just eight at the break.
Second half
The Sunshine Coast extended the lead to 10 in the 47th minute when Williams dived over for a try of his own. The Sea Eagles kept the points coming when Neumann dived over in the corner for his second just six minutes later. With just over 10 minutes remaining, the Pride gave themselves a chance when Rod Jensen scored and cut the Sea Eagles' lead to 10. Three minutes later, the Sunshine Coast all but sealed victory when halfback Trent Hodkinson scored close to the posts. The Pride scored a late consolation try when Humble latched onto a wayward Sea Eagles' pass and ran 80 metres to score under the uprights. In the final minute, Neumann crossed for his hat trick as the Sea Eagles' wrapped up a 14-point victory.
In 2009 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.
