Norths take on another 2023 finalist in a challenging trip to Cairns for Saturday’s Hostplus Cup clash with Northern Pride.
This is the Devils’ sixth match of the season and all have been against finalists from last year.
Despite the testing draw, the Devils have the best defensive record in the competition and a 3-2 win-loss record bolstered by last Saturday’s home win that knocked CQ Capras from the top of the table.
The Devils will meet a Pride team returning home after three consecutive away matches.
The Pride is unbeaten and has scored heavily in both its home matches this season against Tweed Seagulls and Brisbane Tigers.
“The Pride are always a very difficult team to beat, they’re well-coached and they play well in front of their home crowd,” Devils coach Dave Elliott said.
“They have a strong squad which is well supported by North Queensland Cowboys players. This will be a test.”
Cowboys playmakers Jake Clifford and Thomas Duffy showed their skills in the halves despite the Pride’s loss to the Dolphins last weekend. Redcliffe fought back to win after the Pride had led 16-0 after 22 minutes.
The Devils had a breakout game against the Pride last year with a 48-0 win in Round 7 at Bishop Park.
However, in a sign of the change in the Devils’ squad, which had 15 club debutants in the first four matches this year, only three Norths players from that game are set to line up this Saturday.
ROUND 6 TEAMLIST – SATURDAY 20TH APRIL @ Barlow Park, Cairns – 3:00pm
