Pace and size the key to Pride engine room

PETER MCCULLAGH

THE Northern Pride this week re-signed four key players as they plan for the 2021 season.

The club has announced Lata Fakalelu, Brad Lupi, Terrence Casey-Douglas and Rod Griffin will be returning to the Pride for the coming season.

Pride Coach Ty Williams said the four forwards, alongside the recently resigned Nick Lui-Toso, would bring much-needed pace and size to the club.

“Adding depth to our engine room. Lata weighs in at 121 kilos and one of the quickest in our club and across the ground, will play an important role off the

bench,” he said.

“Brad Lupi is another big body at 125 kilos. He adds another aspect off the bench, we need that depth and experience moving forward.”

Williams is quietly confident and excited as the roster is starting to take shape as his roster and reflects the player structure capable of winning the competition.

“I’m assembling a squad that’s not going to make the five, but can win the competition,” he said.

“These four guys are key elements of that moving forward.

Rod Griffin brings a wealth of experience to the team and will serve strongly

in a leadership capacity.

“Rod served as vice captain this year and he’s a winner. He played in the 2010 Grand Final.

“What Rod brings to us is what’s going to be very important to us in the coming season, getting the young guys through.

Williams believes his squad reflects the current NRL trend of fast moving big bodies.

With four spots left in Williams’ roster without the Cowboys’ allocation the club is still yet to go to market for a couple of key signings.

“Perhaps one more big guy for through the middle, plus another depth half would help us out.”