2008 Northern Pride RLFC season

Northern Pride

Club information
Full name	Northern Pride Rugby League Football Club
Nickname(s)	The Pride
Website	northernpride.com.au
Colours	Teal, Gold
Founded	2007
Current details
Ground(s)	Barlow Park, Cairns (seating 1,700, standing 15,000)
CEO(s)	Denis Keeffe (2008)
Coach(s)	Andrew Dunemann (2008)
Captain(s)	Chris Sheppard (2008)
Competition	Intrust Super Cup
2008	3rd
Home colours Away colours
Current season
Records
Premierships	2 (2010/2014)
Runners-up	1 (2009)
Minor premiership	2 (2013/2014)

2008 was the first competitive season for the Cairns based CRGT Northern Pride Rugby League Football Club. They competed in the QRL state competition, which in 2008 was called the Wizard Queensland Cup. 11 Clubs played 20 matches (10 home and 10 away) over 26 weeks.

The Pride finished 3rd, just losing the Preliminary Final in golden point extra-time to the Souths Logan Magpies, who went on to win the 2008 Grand Final. Foundation coach was Andrew Dunemann, who had played for the Canberra Raiders, Leeds Rhinos, Halifax RLFC and South Sydney Rabbitohs, and had been Under-20s coach for the Canberra Raiders. Assistant coach was David Maiden. Foundation captain was Chris Sheppard, who had played for the North Queensland Cowboys and St. George Illawarra Dragons.

2008 Season - CRGT Northern Pride

Staff

• Coach: Andrew Dunemann
• Assistant Coaches: David Maiden & Troy Cummings
• Captain: Chris Sheppard
• Chief Executive: Denis Keeffe
• Chairman: John O’Brien
• Operations Manager: Chris Sheppard
• Commercial Manager: Brad Tassell

• Competition: Wizard Queensland Cup

2008 Player awards

Friday 26 September 2008, Pride Leagues Club, Irene Street, Mooroobool

• Yalumba Wines Most Improved Player – Hezron Murgha
• EK Kitchens Best Back – Chey Bird
• Skytrans Airlines Best Forward – Mark Cantoni
• CRGT Player of the Year – Chris Sheppard
• John O’Brien Perpetual Club Person of the Year – Pride Manager, Rob White

Player gains

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

• Ryan Bartlett from QRL's North Queensland Young Guns
• Greg Byrnes from QRL's North Queensland Young Guns
• Brett Anderson from QRL's North Queensland Young Guns
• Warren Jensen from QRL's Wynnum Manly Seagulls
• Josh Vaughan from QRL's Tweed Heads Seagulls
• Joel Riethmuller from QRL's Ipswich Jets
• Gordon Rattler from QRL's Ipswich Jets
• Mark Cantoni from QRL's Brisbane Easts
• Ben Laity from QRL's Brisbane Easts
• Hezron Murgha from CDRL's Yarrabah Seahawks
• Noel Underwood from CDRL's Yarrabah Seahawks
• Farran Willett from CDRL's Yarrabah Seahawks
• Kahu Wehi from CDRL's Tully Tigers
• Ritchie Marsters from CDRL's Tully Tigers
• Joshua Wehi from CDRL's Tully Tigers
• Alex Starmer from CDRL's Ivanhoes Knights
• Drew Campbell from CDRL's Ivanhoes Knights
• Jason Roos from CDRL's Mareeba Gladiators
• Chris Sheppard from CDRL's Mareeba Gladiators
• Adam Mills from CDRL's Atherton Roosters
• Stephen Sheppard from TDRL's Burdekin and CDRL's Mareeba Gladiators
• Chey Bird from TDRL's (Townsville) Brothers
• Ben Kerr from CDRL's Innisfail
• Eric Warria from Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Northern Territory team
• Steve McLean from Canberra Raiders juniors.

In Round xx the following player was signed to the Pride:

• Quincy To’oto’o-ulugia from NRL's Cronulla Sharks Jersey Flegg

In Round 10 the following players were signed to the Pride:

• Chris Afamasaga from NRL's Gold Coast Titans . He walked out of the club after Round 18.
• Jamie Frizzo from NRL's North Queensland Cowboys

In Round 12 the following players was signed to the Pride:

• Rod Griffin from NRL's Wests Tigers and PNG Kumuls

In Round 16 the following players was signed to the Pride:

• Luke Harlen from NRL's Wests Tigers

At the start of the season attempts were made to sign players from Papua New Guinea, but problems with visas prevented them playing for the Pride:

• Michael Mark from PNG Kumuls
• Jessie Joe Parker from PNG Kumuls

---

2008 Squad

Backs Ryan Ghietti Chey Bird Drew Campbell Hezron Murgha Noel Underwood Gordon Rattler Farren Wilett Steve Sheppard Eric Warria Brett Anderson Chris Sheppard Jackson Nicolau Josh Vaughan

Forwards Jason Roos Alex Starmer (Prop)[1] Greg Byrnes Ben Laity Kahu Wehi Adam Mills Warren Jensen Richie Marsters Ben Kerr Ben Vaeau Matthew Bartlett Joel Riethmuller Mark Cantoni Warren Jensen

North Queensland Cowboys allocation Aaron Payne Ashley Graham Ben Vaeau Carl Webb Jackson Nicolau Jacob Lillyman John Williams Justin Smith Mark Henry Matthew Bartlett Matt Bowen Ray Cashmere Scott Bolton Steve Southern Ty Williams

Trial Ryan Ghietti Jordan Kane

2008 Season Launch

• Team Launch - 14 December 2007
• Season Launch - 7 March 2008 at 11.00am, Stockland Cairns. (Originally scheduled as part of the Esplanade Lagoon's 5 year celebrations but moved to Stockland Cairns because of wet season flooding in Cairns.)

Pre-Season Boot Camp

• Croco Dylus Village Camp, Daintree River - 19–20 January 2008

---

2008 Jerseys

• 2008 CRGT Northern Pride jerseys
• 

  2008 Home

• 

  2008 Away

---

Trial Matches

Team: 1. Chey Bird, 2. Drew Campbell, 3. Hezron Murgha, 4. Noel Underwood, 5. Gordon Rattler, 6. Farren Wilett, 7. Steve Sheppard, 8. Greg Byrnes, 9. Jason Roos, 10. Kahu Wehi, 11. Adam Mills, 12. Alex Starmer, 13. Warren Jensen (c).

Interchange: 14. Richie Marsters, 15. Ben Kerr, 16. Eric Warria, 17. Jordan Kane, 18. Ryan Ghetti.

Unavailable:

Notes: Originally scheduled to be played at Innisfail, but changed to the CDRL Yarrabah Seahawks ground. Half-time 26-4

---

Team: Coach Andrew Dunemann selected four separate teams to play this match, with each team to play one quarter.

Interchange:

Unavailable: Josh Vaughan (called up to play for the Cowboys in their trial against the Broncos

Notes: The original trial match against the Mackay Cutters at Darryl Bourke Oval, Moranbah was cancelled due to wet conditions.

---

Team:

Interchange:

Unavailable: Josh Vaughan (called up to play for the Cowboys in their trial against the Broncos

Notes: 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 Under 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 a ACL tear.

---

Team: 1. Chey Bird, 2. Gordon Rattler, 3. Brett Anderson, 4. Josh Vaughan, 5. Hezron Murgha, 6. Stephen Sheppard, 7. Chris Sheppard (c), 8. Ben Laity, 9. Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia, 10. Greg Byrnes, 11. Alex Starmer, 12. Joel Riethmuller, 13. Mark Cantoni

Interchange: 14. Warren Jensen, 15. Ritchie Marsters, 16. Jason Roos, 17. Noel Underwood, 18. Drew Campbell, 19. Adam Mills

Unavailable: Ryan Bartlett (ACL)

Notes:

---

Team: 1. Josh Vaughan, 2. Drew Campbell, 3. Brett Anderson, 4. Hezron Murgha, 5. Noel Underwood, 6. Steve Sheppard, 7. Chris Sheppard (c), 8. Ben Laity, 9. Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia, 10. Alex Starmer, 11. Joel Riethmuller, 12. Warren Jensen, 13. Mark Cantoni

Interchange: 14. Ritchie Marsters, 15. Gordon Rattler, 16. Ben Kerr, 17. Adam Mills, 18. Shaun Cribb

Unavailable: Ryan Bartlett (ACL)

Notes: CDRL Port Douglas/Mossman Sharks RLFC hosted the match. Admission was $6. Half-time 6-14 Stephen Sheppard sin-bin after a fight.

---

Wizard Queensland Cup matches

Team: 1. Chey Bird, 2. Gordon Rattler, 3. Brett Anderson, 4. Jackson Nicolau, 5. Josh Vaughan, 6. Stephen Sheppard, 7. Chris Sheppard (c), 8. Ben Laity, 9. Jason Roos, 10. Ben Vaeau, 11. Matthew Bartlett, 12. Joel Riethmuller, 13. Mark Cantoni

Interchange: 14. Warren Jensen, 15. Noel Underwood, 16. Alex Starmer, 17. Greg Byrnes

Unavailable: Ryan Bartlett (ACL)

Notes: Three North Queensland Cowboys played in the first Northern Pride match - Ben Vaeau (prop), Jackson Nicolau (centre) and Matthew Bartlett (back row), while the Cutters fielded eight Cowboys The match was played on a rain-drenched Barlow Park field in Cairns which coach Andrew Dunemann described as a "mud pit". Pride officials tried to have the game called off due to the conditions but the QRL insisted the game proceed. Chris Sheppard was placed on report for a high tackle.

Position	Round 1 - 2008	P	W	D	L	B	For	Against	Diff	Points
1	Northern Pride	1	1	0	0	0	44	16	+28	2

---

Team: 1. Chey Bird, 2. Gordon Rattler, 3. Brett Anderson, 4. Jackson Nicolau, 5. Josh Vaughan, 6. Stephen Sheppard, 7. Chris Sheppard (c), 13. Mark Cantoni, 12. Joel Riethmuller, 11. Matthew Bartlett, 10. Steve Southern, 9. Jason Roos, 8. Ben Vaeau

Interchange: 14. Warren Jensen, 15. Ben Laity, 16. Greg Byrnes, 17. Scott Bolton, 18. Ty Williams

Unavailable: Ryan Bartlett (ACL)

Notes: Six North Queensland Cowboys played in the second Northern Pride match - Steve Southern, Scott Bolton, Ben Vaeau, Matthew Bartlett, Jackson Nicolau, Ty Williams Half-time 12-16

Position	Round 2 - 2008	P	W	D	L	B	For	Against	Diff	Points
1	Northern Pride	2	2	0	0	0	76	34	+42	4

---

Team: 1. Chey Bird, 2. Gordon Rattler, 3. Brett Anderson, 4. Josh Vaughan, 5. John Williams, 6. Jackson Nicolau, 7. Chris Sheppard (c), 13. Mark Cantoni, 12. Joel Riethmuller, 11. Matthew Bartlett, 10. Steve Southern, 9. Jason Roos, 8. Ben Vaeau

Interchange: 14. Warren Jensen, 15. Ben Laity, 16. Greg Byrnes, 17. Scott Bolton

Unavailable: Ryan Bartlett (ACL), Steven Sheppard (sternum)

Notes: Six North Queensland Cowboys played in the third Northern Pride match - Ben Vaeau (prop), Steve Southern (Prop), Jackson Nicolau (Five-eighth), Matthew Bartlett (back row), John Williams (wing), Scott Bolton (Interchange).

Position	Round 3 - 2008	P	W	D	L	B	For	Against	Diff	Points
1	Northern Pride	3	3	0	0	0	122	46	+76	6

---

Team: 1. Chey Bird, 2. Gordon Rattler, 3. Brett Anderson, 4. Josh Vaughan, 5. Drew Campbell, 6. Jackson Nicolau, 7. Chris Sheppard (c), 13. Mark Cantoni, 12. Joel Riethmuller, 11. Matthew Bartlett, 10. Ben Laity, 9. Jason Roos, 8. Ben Vaeau

Interchange: 14. Warren Jensen, 15. Alex Starmer, 16. Greg Byrnes, 17. Scott Bolton

Unavailable: Ryan Bartlett (ACL)

Notes: Five North Queensland Cowboys played in the fourth Northern Pride match - Jackson Nicolau, Ben Vaeau, David Faiumu, Matthew Bartlett, Scott Bolton

Position	Round 4 - 2008	P	W	D	L	B	For	Against	Diff	Points
1	Northern Pride	4	4	0	0	0	140	54	+86	8

---

Team: 1. Chey Bird, 2. Gordon Rattler, 3. Brett Anderson, 4. Hezron Murgha, 5. Josh Vaughan, 6. Stephen Sheppard, 7. Chris Sheppard (c), 13. Mark Cantoni, 12. Joel Riethmuller, 11. Warren Jensen, 10. Ben Laity, 9. David Faiumu, 8. Scott Bolton

Interchange: 14. Jason Roos, 15. Alex Starmer, 16. Greg Byrnes, 17. Noel Underwood

Unavailable: Ryan Bartlett (ACL)

Notes: Broadcast live on ABC 1 TV with ABC Sport’s Gerry Collins, Warren Boland and David Wright. Only two North Queensland Cowboys played in the fifth Northern Pride match - Scott Bolton (interchange), David Faiumu (hooker). This was Brett Anderson last game before leaving to play for Melbourne Storm - he returned to the Pride in 2010. The Pride were down 6-24 at half-time. They scored 28 unanswered points in the second half for a dramatic come-from-behind win.

Position	Round 5 - 2008	P	W	D	L	B	For	Against	Diff	Points
2	Northern Pride	5	5	0	0	0	174	78	+96	10

---

Team: 1. Chey Bird, 2. Gordon Rattler, 3. Jackson Nicolau, 4. Hezron Murgha, 5. Josh Vaughan, 6. Stephen Sheppard, 7. Chris Sheppard (c), 13. Mark Cantoni, 12. Joel Riethmuller, 11. Scott Bolton, 10. Ben Laity, 9. Jason Roos, 8. Ben Vaeau

Interchange: 14. Adam Mills, 15. Warren Jensen, 16. Greg Byrnes, 17. Alex Starmer

Unavailable: Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia (ribs), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm), Ryan Bartlett (ACL)

Notes: Stephen Sheppard was sent from the field in the second half and Joel Riethmuller suffered a season ending knee injury.

Position	Round 6 - 2008	P	W	D	L	B	For	Against	Diff	Points
2	Northern Pride	6	6	0	0	0	204	106	+98	12

---

Team: 1. Chey Bird, 2. Drew Campbell, 3. Ty Williams, 4. Hezron Murgha, 5. Josh Vaughan, 6. Jackson Nicolau, 7. Chris Sheppard (c), 13. Warren Jensen, 12. Mark Cantoni, 11. Alex Starmer, 10. Ben Vaeau, 9. David Faiumu, 8. Greg Byrnes

Interchange: 14. Jason Roos, 15. Adam Mills, 16. Noel Underwood, 17. Ben Laity

Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm), Stephen Sheppard (sternum), Ryan Bartlett (ACL)

Notes: Four North Queensland Cowboys played in this match - Ty Williams, Jackson Nicolau, Ben Vaeau, David Faiumu This was the Pride's seventh game and their seventh win.

Position	Round 7 - 2008	P	W	D	L	B	For	Against	Diff	Points
1	Northern Pride	7	7	0	0	0	244	116	+128	14

---

Team: 1. Chey Bird, 2. Drew Campbell, 3. Jackson Nicolau, 4. Hezron Murgha, 5. Josh Vaughan, 6. Stephen Sheppard, 7. Chris Sheppard (c), 13. Mark Cantoni, 12. David Faiumu, 11. Alex Starmer, 10. Scott Bolton, 9. Jason Roos, 8. Greg Byrnes

Interchange: 14. Warren Jensen, 15. Adam Mills, 16. Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia, 17. Ben Laity

Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm), Ryan Bartlett (ACL)

Notes: Broadcast live on ABC 1 TV with ABC Sport’s Gerry Collins, Warren Boland and David Wright. Three North Queensland Cowboys played in this match - Scott Bolton, David Faiumu, Jackson Nicolau This was the Pride's first defeat after eight rounds of the competition.

Position	Round 8 - 2008	P	W	D	L	B	For	Against	Diff	Points
2	Northern Pride	8	7	0	1	0	248	150	+98	14

---

Team:

Interchange:

Position	Round 9 - 2008	P	W	D	L	B	For	Against	Diff	Points
2	Northern Pride	8	7	0	1	1	248	150	+98	16

---

Team: 1. Chey Bird, 2. Drew Campbell, 3. Adam Mills, 4. Hezron Murgha, 5. Josh Vaughan, 6. Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia, 7. Chris Sheppard (c), 13. Ben Kerr, 12. Mark Cantoni, 11. Matthew Bartlett, 10. Scott Bolton, 9. Jason Roos, 8. Ben Laity

Interchange: 14. Richie Marsters, 15. Warren Jensen, 16. Noel Underwood, 17. Greg Byrnes

Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm, Ryan Bartlett (ACL), Quincy To’oto’o-ulugia (knee), Alex Starmer (shoulder) Chris Afamasaga from the Gold Coast Titans and Jamie Frizzo from the North Queensland Cowboys signed to the Pride this week.

Notes: Two North Queensland Cowboys played in this match - Scott Bolton, Matthew Bartlett

Position	Round 10 - 2008	P	W	D	L	B	For	Against	Diff	Points
3	Northern Pride	9	7	0	2	1	264	176	+88	16

---

Team: 1. Chey Bird, 2. Drew Campbell, 3. Jamie Frizzo, 4. Hezron Murgha, 5. Josh Vaughan, 6. Jackson Nicolau, 7. Chris Sheppard (c), 13. Mark Cantoni, 12. Adam Mills, 11. Scott Bolton, 10. Ben Laity, 9. Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia, 8. Ben Vaeau

Interchange: 14. Stephen Sheppard, 15. Alex Starmer, 16. Warren Jensen, 17. Greg Byrnes

Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm, Ryan Bartlett (ACL)

Notes: Broadcast live on ABC 1 TV with ABC Sport’s Gerry Collins, Warren Boland and David Wright. Three North Queensland Cowboys played in this match - Jackson Nicolau, Scott Bolton, Ben Vaeau. Half-time 10-16

Position	Round 11 - 2008	P	W	D	L	B	For	Against	Diff	Points
2	Northern Pride	10	8	0	2	1	294	192	+102	18

---

Team: 1. Chey Bird, 2. Drew Campbell, 3. Jamie Frizzo, 4. Hezron Murgha, 5. Josh Vaughan, 6. Jackson Nicolau, 7. Chris Sheppard (c), 13. Mark Cantoni, 12. Greg Byrnes, 11. Matthew Bartlett, 10. Ben Vaeau, 9. Jason Roos, 8. Ben Laity

Interchange: 14. Warren Jensen, 15. Alex Starmer, 16. Ben Kerr, 17. Chris Afamasaga

Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm, Ryan Bartlett (ACL)

Notes: Rod Griffin signed with the Pride this week Three North Queensland Cowboys played in this match - Jackson Nicolau, Ty Williams, Ben Vaeau

Position	Round 12 - 2008	P	W	D	L	B	For	Against	Diff	Points
2	Northern Pride	11	9	0	2	1	312	204	+108	20

---

Team: 1. Chey Bird (c), 2. Drew Campbell, 3. Ty Williams, 4. Hezron Murgha, 5. Josh Vaughan, 6. Jackson Nicolau, 7. Stephen Sheppard, 8. Ben Laity, 9. Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia, 10. Ben Vaeau, 11. Adam Mills, 12. Greg Byrnes, 13. Mark Cantoni

Interchange: 14. Warren Jensen, 15. Alex Starmer, 16. Scott Bolton, 17. Chris Afamasaga

Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm, Ryan Bartlett (ACL), Chris Sheppard (representative duties)

Notes: Five North Queensland Cowboys played in this match - Ty Williams, Jackson Nicolau, Ben Vaeau, Matthew Bartlett, Scott Bolton UIn the second half Mark Cantoni was taken to hospital with a broken arm.

Position	Round 13 - 2008	P	W	D	L	B	For	Against	Diff	Points
3	Northern Pride	12	9	0	3	1	312	230	+82	20

---

Team: 1. Chey Bird (c), 2. Drew Campbell, 3. Ty Williams, 4. Jamie Frizzo, 5. Josh Vaughan, 6. Jackson Nicolau, 7. Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia, 13. Adam Mills, 12. Greg Byrnes, 11. Alex Starmer, 10. Ben Vaeau, 9. Jason Roos, 8. Ben Laity

Interchange: 14. Hezron Murgha, 15. Rod Griffin, 16. Warren Jensen, 17. Chris Afamasaga

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)

Notes: Three North Queensland Cowboys played in this match - Ty Williams, Jackson Nicolau, Ben Vaeau

Position	Round 14 - 2008	P	W	D	L	B	For	Against	Diff	Points
3	Northern Pride	13	10	0	3	1	352	254	+98	22

---

Team: 1. Ty Williams, 2. Drew Campbell, 3. Hezron Murgha, 4. Jamie Frizzo, 5. Josh Vaughan, 6. Jackson Nicolau, 7. Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia, 13. Adam Mills, 12. Rod Griffin, 11. Matthew Bartlett, 10. Alex Starmer, 9. Jason Roos, 8. Ben Laity (c)

Interchange: 14. Gordon Rattler, 15. Noel Underwood, 16. Ben Kerr, 17. Chris Afamasaga

Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm, Ryan Bartlett (ACL), Mark Cantoni (broken arm), Chey Bird (sternum)

Notes: Three North Queensland Cowboys played in this match - Ty Williams, Jackson Nicolau, Matthew Bartlett

Position	Round 15 - 2008	P	W	D	L	B	For	Against	Diff	Points
3	Northern Pride	14	11	0	4	1	380	266	+114	22

---

Team: 1. Ty Williams, 2. Drew Campbell, 3. Hezron Murgha, 4. Jamie Frizzo, 5. Josh Vaughan, 6. Jackson Nicolau, 7. Chris Sheppard (c), 13. Adam Mills, 12. Rod Griffin, 11. Luke Harlen, 10. Greg Byrnes, 9. Jason Roos, 8. Ben Laity

Interchange: 14. Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia, 15. Noel Underwood, 16. Alex Starmer, 17. Chris Afamasaga

Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm, Ryan Bartlett (ACL), Mark Cantoni (broken arm), Chey Bird (sternum)

Notes: Luke Harlen signed with the Pride this week after being released from Wests Tigers Two North Queensland Cowboys played in this match - Ty Williams, Jackson Nicolau The Dawsons Engineering FNQ Cyclones side played the opening game as part of the ARL Masters National Carnival

Position	Round 16 - 2008	P	W	D	L	B	For	Against	Diff	Points
3	Northern Pride	15	2	0	3	1	396	278	+118	26

---

Team: 1. Ty Williams, 2. Drew Campbell, 3. Hezron Murgha, 4. Jamie Frizzo, 5. Josh Vaughan, 6. Jackson Nicolau, 7. Chris Sheppard (c), 13. Adam Mills, 12. Rod Griffin, 11. Matthew Bartlett, 10. Luke Harlen, 9. Jason Roos, 8. Ben Laity

Interchange: 14. Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia, 15. Noel Underwood, 16. Alex Starmer, 17. Chris Afamasaga

Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm, Ryan Bartlett (ACL), Mark Cantoni (broken arm), Chey Bird (sternum)

Notes: Broadcast live on ABC 1 TV with ABC Sport’s Gerry Collins, Warren Boland and David Wright. Three North Queensland Cowboys played in this match - Ty Williams, Jackson Nicolau, Matthew Bartlett

Position	Round 17 - 2008	P	W	D	L	B	For	Against	Diff	Points
1	Northern Pride	16	13	0	3	1	422	288	+134	28

---

Team: 1. Josh Vaughan, 2. Drew Campbell, 3. Hezron Murgha, 4. Jamie Frizzo, 5. Gordon Rattler, 6. Jackson Nicolau, 7. Chris Sheppard (c), 13. Adam Mills, 12. Rod Griffin, 11. Noel Underwood, 10. Greg Byrnes, 9. Jason Roos, 8. Ben Laity

Interchange: 14. Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia, 15. Ben Kerr, 16. Alex Starmer, 17. Chris Afamasaga

Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm, Ryan Bartlett (ACL), Mark Cantoni (broken arm), Chey Bird (sternum)

Notes: Only one North Queensland Cowboys played in this match - Jackson Nicolau

Position	Round 18 - 2008	P	W	D	L	B	For	Against	Diff	Points
2	Northern Pride	17	13	0	4	1	438	316	+122	28

---

Team: 1. Chey Bird, 2. Gordon Rattler, 3. Hezron Murgha, 4. Jamie Frizzo, 5. Josh Vaughan, 6. Chris Sheppard (c), 7. Luke Millwood, 13. Adam Mills, 12. Rod Griffin, 11. Greg Byrnes, 10. Alex Starmer, 9. Jason Roos, 8. Ben Laity

Interchange: 14. Warren Jensen, 15. Noel Underwood, 16. Scott Bolton, 17. Eric Warria

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)

Notes: Only one North Queensland Cowboys played in this match - Scott Bolton The Pride had two new players, halfback Luke Millwood and outside back Eric Warria 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.

Position	Round 19 - 2008	P	W	D	L	B	For	Against	Diff	Points
3	Northern Pride	18	13	0	5	1	458	350	+108	28

---

Team:

Interchange:

Position	Round 20 - 2008	P	W	D	L	B	For	Against	Diff	Points
2	Northern Pride	18	13	0	5	2	458	350	+108	30

---

Team: 1. Chey Bird, 2. Adam Mills, 3. Hezron Murgha, 4. Jackson Nicolau, 5. Josh Vaughan, 6. Chris Sheppard (c), 7. Luke Millwood, 13. Jamie Frizzo, 12. Mark Cantoni, 11. Matthew Bartlett, 10. Greg Byrnes, 9. Jason Roos, 8. Ben Laity

Interchange: 14. Rod Griffin, 15. Noel Underwood, 16. Scott Bolton, 17. Alex Starmer

Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm, Ryan Bartlett (ACL), Chris Afamasaga (resigned)

Notes: Three North Queensland Cowboys played in this match - Matthew Bartlett, Jackson Nicolau, Scott Bolton

Position	Round 21 - 2008	P	W	D	L	B	For	Against	Diff	Points
3	Northern Pride	19	13	0	6	2	474	386	+88	30

---

Team: 1. Chey Bird, 2. Hezron Murgha, 3. Jackson Nicolau, 4. Jamie Frizzo, 5. Josh Vaughan, 6. Stephen Sheppard, 7. Chris Sheppard (c), 13. Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia, 12. Mark Cantoni, 11. Rod Griffin, 10. Scott Bolton, 9. Jason Roos, 8. Ben Laity

Interchange: 14. Luke Millwood, 15. Alex Starmer, 16. Greg Byrnes, 17. Noel Underwood

Unavailable: Joel Riethmuller (knee), Brett Anderson (transferred to the Melbourne Storm, Ryan Bartlett (ACL), Mark Cantoni (broken arm), Chris Afamasaga (resigned), Adam Mills (ankle)

Notes: Two North Queensland Cowboys played in this match - Jackson Nicolau, Scott Bolton

Position	Round 22 - 2008	P	W	D	L	B	For	Against	Diff	Points
3	Northern Pride	20	13	0	7	2	494	416	+78	30

---

2008 Ladder

	Team	Pld	W	D	L	B	PF	PA	PD	Pts
1	Ipswich Jets	20	16	0	4	2	656	329	327	36
2	Souths Logan Magpies	20	14	0	6	2	592	378	214	32
3	Northern Pride	20	13	0	7	2	494	416	78	30
4	Wynnum Manly Seagulls	20	11	2	7	2	526	514	12	28
5	Redcliffe Dolphins	20	11	1	8	2	498	418	80	27
6	Burleigh Bears	20	11	0	9	2	528	506	22	26
7	Easts Tigers	20	8	1	11	2	454	462	-8	21
8	Tweed Heads Seagulls	20	7	1	12	2	507	535	-28	19
9	Mackay Cutters	20	7	1	12	2	416	488	-72	19
10	Central Comets	20	7	0	13	2	404	595	-191	18
11	Norths Devils	20	2	0	18	2	288	722	-434	8

Finals Series

Team: 1. Chey Bird, 2. Hezron Murgha, 3. Jackson Nicolau, 4. Jamie Frizzo, 5. Josh Vaughan, 6. Stephen Sheppard, 7. Chris Sheppard (c), 13. Rod Griffin, 12. Mark Cantoni, 11. Luke Harlen, 10. Scott Bolton, 9. Jason Roos, 8. Ben Laity

Interchange: 14. Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia, 15. Warren Jensen, 16. Greg Byrnes, 17. Noel Underwood

Unavailable: Alex Starmer (knee)

Notes: Two North Queensland Cowboys played in this match - Jackson Nicolau, Scott Bolton

---

Team: 1. Chey Bird (c), 2. Hezron Murgha, 3. Josh Vaughan, 4. Jamie Frizzo, 5. Adam Mills, 6. Jackson Nicolau, 7. Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia, 13. Rod Griffin, 12. Mark Cantoni, 11. Luke Harlen, 10. Scott Bolton, 9. Jason Roos, 8. Ben Laity

Interchange: 14. Stephen Sheppard, 15. Alex Starmer, 16. Greg Byrnes, 17. Noel Underwood

Unavailable: Chris Sheppard (foot)

Notes: Broadcast live on ABC 1 TV with ABC Sport’s Gerry Collins, Warren Boland and David Wright.<br /Two North Queensland Cowboys played in this match - Jackson Nicolau, Scott Bolton

---

Team: 1. Chey Bird (c), 2. Hezron Murgha, 3. Jackson Nicolau, 4. Jamie Frizzo, 5. Josh Vaughan, 6. Stephen Sheppard, 7. Luke Millwood, 13. Mark Cantoni, 12. Noel Underwood, 11. Luke Harlen, 10. Greg Byrnes, 9. Jason Roos, 8. Ben Laity

Interchange: 14. Callan Myles, 15. Alex Starmer, 16. Adam Mills, 17. Warren Jensen

Unavailable: Chris Sheppard (foot), Rod Griffin (concussion), Quincy To’oto’o-ulugia

Notes: It was 12-12 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. The Pride used 34 different players this season. Ben Laity and Josh Vaughan played all 23 games this season.

---

2008 Northern Pride players

Pride players	2008 Appearances	2008 Tries	2008 Goals	2008 Field Goals	2008 Points scored
Adam Mills	15	1	0	0	4
Alex Starmer	19	0	0	0	0
Ben Kerr	4	0	0	0	0
Ben Laity	23	2	0	0	8
Brett Anderson	5	6	0	0	24
Callan Myles	1	0	0	0	0
Chey Bird	19	5	65	0	150
Chris Afamasaga	7	1	0	0	4
Chris Sheppard	18	2	4	0	16
Drew Campbell	12	8	0	0	32
Eric Warria	1	0	0	0	0
Gordon Rattler	9	3	0	0	12
Hezron Murgha	19	7	0	0	28
Jamie Frizzo	13	5	0	0	20
Jason Roos	21	5	0	0	20
Joel Riethmuller	6	2	0	0	8
Josh Vaughan	23	13	0	0	52
Luke Harlen	5	2	0	0	8
Luke Millwood	4	2	0	0	8
Mark Cantoni	17	4	0	0	16
Noel Underwood	14	0	0	0	0
Quincy To'oto'o-ulugia	12	2	8	0	24
Richie Marsters	1	0	0	0	0
Rod Griffin	10	2	0	0	8
Stephen Sheppard	11	3	0	0	12
Warren Jensen	16	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 Northern Pride in 2008

Cowboys players	2008 Appearances	2008 Tries	2008 Goals	2008 Field Goals	2008 Points scored
Ben Vaeau	10	0	0	0	0
David Faiumu	3	1	0	0	4
Greg Byrnes	21	0	0	0	0
Jackson Nicolau	20	0	0	0	0
John Williams	1	0	0	0	0
Matthew Bartlett	9	4	0	0	16
Scott Bolton	14	1	0	0	4
Steve Southern	2	0	0	0	0
Ty Williams	7	2	0	0	8

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.

• 1: Northern Pride won 34-24: Round 5, Saturday 12 April 2008 against Souths Logan Magpies from Meakin Park, Logan
• 2: Northern Pride lost 4-34: Round 8, Saturday 3 May 2008 against Tweed Heads Seagulls from Cudgen Park, Cudgen
• 3: Northern Pride won 30-16: Round 11, Saturday 24 May 2008 against Ipswich Jets from Briggs Road Sporting Complex, Ipswich
• 4: Northern Pride won 26-10: Round 17, Saturday 12 July 2008 against Easts Tigers from Langlands Park, Stones Corner, Brisbane
• 5: Northern Pride won 34-16: Qualifying Final, Saturday 30 August 2008 against Ipswich Jets from Briggs Road Sporting Complex, Ipswich
• 6: Northern Pride lost 12-16 : Preliminary Final, Saturday 6 September 2008 against Souths Logan Magpies from Langlands Park, Stones Corner, Brisbane

References

External links

• Northern Pride Official site
• Northern Pride Facebook Page
• Northern Pride Twitter Page
• Northern Pride YouTube Page
• Cairns Post - Northern Pride 2008 photo gallery

Northern Pride RLFC Est. 2007 in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. Former Cairns QRL representative club (1996-2000) Cairns Cyclones The Club Seasons Players Coaches Home grounds Barlow Park Pride Oval, Mooroobool Important figures Cairns Cyclones (1996–2000) Adrian Lam (Coach 2007) Andrew Dunemann (Coach 2008–09) David Maiden (Coach 2010–12) Jason Demetriou (Coach 2013) Chris Sheppard (Captain 2008–10 / CEO 2011–13) Ty Williams (Captain 2011–13) Rod Jensen Brett Anderson (Co-Captain 2014) Joel Riethmuller Mark Cantoni Tom Humble Luke Harlen Mark Dalle Cort Rod Griffin Clint Amos Michael Bani Scott Bolton Brenton Bowen Greg Byrnes Kalifa Faifai Loa George Gatis Luke Harlen Lancen Joudo Blake Leary Jaiman Lowe Saia Makisi Kaine Manihera Scott Moore Semi Tadulala Sam Obst Jessie Joe Parker Germaine Paulson James Segeyaro Steve Snitch Ryan Stig James Tamou League QRL Competition Intrust Super Cup Wizard Queensland Cup Titles Premiers (2) 2010 2014 Runners Up (1) 2009 Seasons (6) 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Affiliations North Queensland Cowboys

2008 in rugby league « 2007 2009 » International Rugby League World Club Challenge ANZAC Test World Cup Festival Women's Squads Final Awards British Rugby League Competitions Super League Results Grand Final National League 1 National League 2 Challenge Cup Final SL Teams Bradford Bulls Castleford Tigers Catalans Dragons Harlequins Huddersfield Giants Hull FC Hull KR Leeds Rhinos St Helens Wakefield Wildcats Warrington Wolves Wigan Warriors Australian Rugby League Competitions State of Origin NRL season Results Grand Final Toyota Cup Results Queensland Cup New South Wales Cup By club Brisbane Broncos Bulldogs Canberra Raiders Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Gold Coast Titans Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles Melbourne Storm Newcastle Knights New Zealand Warriors North Queensland Cowboys Parramatta Eels Penrith Panthers South Sydney Rabbitohs Sydney Roosters St. George Illawarra Dragons Wests Tigers Related articles Dally M Awards Darwin Rugby League Northern Pride Other Domestic competitions France Grand Final New Zealand United States

Rugby League in Queensland Federation Queensland Rugby League Representative Teams Queensland Maroons Queensland Residents Queensland U-20 Queensland U-18 Queensland U-16 Queensland Women's NRL clubs Current clubs: Brisbane Broncos Gold Coast Titans North Queensland Cowboys Former Clubs: Gold Coast Giants/Seagulls/Chargers (1988-1998) South Queensland Crushers (1995-1997) Competitions State-wide leagues: Queensland Cup Mal Meninga Cup (U18s) Cyril Connell Cup (U16s) Queensland City vs Country Origin Winfield State League (1982-1995) Other leagues: Masters Police Services Primary School Secondary School Universities Women's Northern Division Foley Shield Bowen Cairns Mackay Midwest Mount Isa Remote Areas Townsville Central Division Regions: Capricorn Region / South West Region / Wide Bay Region 47th Battalion Shield Balonne-Barwon Jr. Border Bundaberg Callide-Dawson Jr. Central Burnett Central Highlands Central West Fraser Coast Gladstone District Northern Districts Rockhampton District Roma Dictrict South Burnett Sunshine Coast-Gympie Toowoomba Warwick & District Jr. Western South-East Division Bulimba Cup Brisbane Brisbane A-Grade Brisbane Second Division Brisbane Women Ipswich Gold Coast Gold Coast Second Division FOGS Colts (U20's)