Sport
22 October, 2024
Women’s game gets uplift
THE women’s game is taking to new heights in the 2025 season with Northern Pride’s announcement of new coach Colin Wilkie and the entry to the 2025 BMD Premiership, a prestigious competition showcasing the best in women’s rugby league.
An exciting 2025 season is in the making for the Northern Pride women’s team with two major announcements – a new coach and an entry into the 2025 BMD Premiership – which the club expects to grow the women’s game and develop pathways for female athletes in the Far North.
Former North Queensland Cowboys and Melbourne Storm player Colin Wilkie will be the head coach of the premiership team, and the club is hoping that his years of experience and leadership can take the team to BMD Premiership glory.
“We started looking at this about three years ago,” said Pride’s chief executive Garreth Smith.
“We’ve had some challenges that we had to jump through before we could make it happen, so it’s been tough, but good to get it where it needs to be so that we can put a team in next year and start providing pathways which is our responsibility.
“Colin is from the region, which is important to us. He’s very familiar with the female players and the game. Likewise he’s got experience in the NRL systems himself. He’s been a seasonal head coach in Tully, so he’s quite connected with the game and particularly with Northern Pride through his A-grade coach and our head coaches, so we’re excited to have him on board.
“This is a great segue for our women, a great opportunity to bring home those who are playing away from the region and a great opportunity for them to see what the pathway is to the highest level.”
Mr Wilkie said he was ready for the BMD challenge.
“I’m immensely proud and it’s a huge honour and privilege to be a part of the Kenfrost Homes Northern Pride,” he said.
“These opportunities weren’t around when I was coming through as a junior. I was one of those players who had to move away to chase my dreams, so it’s an exciting opportunity for the women.
“We got that tightness here, the girls know each other from carnivals and other events, or have played together at the highest level, so it’s a pretty tight group, I’ve had a discussion with them and they’re all just very excited.
“It’s a privilege to be part of this momentous occasion for the club, and I’m looking forward to working with the players, staff and community to make our inaugural season a success.”
