Norths will focus on developing consistency after a clunky performance prevented the Devils from pressuring Northern Pride in their Hostplus Cup clash in Cairns on Saturday.
The Pride scored eight tries, leading 32-0 before the Devils scored twice for the 38-12 final scoreline.
After conceding only 70 points in their opening five matches, the Devils coughed up too many errors, penalties and defensive lapses in a frustrating day.
The Devils had the toughest draw to start the season. All six opponents so far were finalists last season.
The Devils’ 3-3 win-loss record has been built on moments of excellence against good teams and spluttering patches as a squad with 15 new Devils this season has tried to develop combinations.
Yesterday’s performance on a tropical Cairns afternoon was the only time that the Devils have been gapped this season as Cowboys NRL half Jake Clifford caused the visitors serious problems.
Clifford scored a try in the 31st minute while having a hand in others including a short kick in the third minute that bobbled into an opening try for backrower Dane Aukafolau.
The Devils were denied a likely try to move ahead 6-4 in the 14th minute when Jordan Lipp’s breakaway off a dropped Pride ball was called back for a Norths knock-on.
Lipp wasn’t called back in the second half when he claimed an intercept, linking with winger Blake Paskins in a 95-metre movement that produced Norths’ first try.
The Devils crossed again six minutes later when hard-working prop Tuki Simpkins laid the platform for captain Kierran Moseley’s dummy-half pass to charging backrower James Flack to score.
The Devils have played four of their six matches away from home but return to Bishop Park on Saturday night for a clash with Toowoomba Clydesdales.
The Devils have a bye after that before another home clash with Brisbane Tigers on 12 May.
NORTHERN PRIDE 38 (Dane Aukafolau 2, Will Partridge 2, Nat McGavin 2, Jake Clifford, Lachlan West tries, Thomas Duffy 3 goals) bt NORTHS DEVILS 12 (Blake Paskins, James Flack tries, Gerome Burns goal, Jack Wright goal) at Barlow Park.
