IT has a trial against NRL grand finalist Parramatta across the other side of the country on the same weekend, but St George Illawarra is still tipped to bring a few big names north for its trial against the Northern Pride.
Kangaroos winger Brett Morris, who played in the Four Nations final only a few months ago, is tipped to be among those heading to Mareeba for next Saturday’s clash with the Pride.
Pride operations manager Chris Sheppard said while the Dragons were still finalising their team, he expected Morris to be among those
playing.
Former Dragon Shaun Timmins, a Test and Origin representative, will also travel with the team. While the bulk of the side is expected to be under-20 players, other big names could yet make the trip.
The Pride kicks off its trial campaign against the Cowboys under-20s at Tully on Friday week, with the game against the Dragons at Mareeba the following night.
And the regions are set to benefit from the games.
"We want to take these games to places that might not have a chance to see the Pride," said Sheppard, also the club’s on-field captain. "Also it’s a bit of a financial boost to the regions."
Far Northern juniors will also benefit from the club’s trial against New South Wales Cup side Windsor Wolves on February 27 with profits to be split among the Cairns, Innisfail and Eacham junior leagues.
The club has launched its season ticket campaign and wants 1500 season members by the time the Queensland Cup kicks off in March.
Tickets to Saturday week’s trial against the Dragons are available from the club’s administration headquarters at Jones Park, Mann St, as well as the Pride Leagues Club, Mareeba Leagues Club and Brothers Leagues Club.
