The Northern Pride overcame several injury setbacks to record a 38-26 victory over the Central Queensland Capras in Rockhampton on Saturday night.
Pride coach Jason Demetriou was forced to make two changes late in the week, with young gun Jordan Biondi-Ono coming in for Matthew Wright at fullback and veteran winger Semi Tadulala replacing Javid Bowen.
“Semi was outstanding up until the point where it looked like he tore his peck,” Pride coach Jason Demetriou said.
“He’ll have a scan today. We’re just hoping that it’s not ruptured … we’ll know more by tomorrow.
The Pride also lost big forward Ricky Thorby midway through the first half.
The Cowboys enforcer is expected to miss two or three weeks with a grade 2 medial ligament injury.
Despite the setbacks, the Pride managed to score six tries, with Shaun Nona and Cameron King notching doubles.
The Pride led 18-14 at half-time but fell behind eight minutes into the second half when Capras centre Marlon Doak scored from Mark Johnston chip kick and Theeran Pearson added the conversion.
The Pride regrouped and posted the next three tries of the round two clash to clinch an impressive victory.
Demetriou said he was pleased to start the season with two wins.
“We’ll keep looking for that effort, and at the moment we can’t fault them,” he said.
The Pride will host the Redcliffe Dolphins this weekend, while the CQ Capras will travel to PNG to play the in-form Hunters.
The Capras have yet to open their account in season 2014 but they haven’t been too far off the pace in their opening two games.
Centre Marco Delapena was dangerous against the Pride, while fellow flyer Rhys Williams also impressed with two tries.
NORTHERN PRIDE 38 (Shaun Nona 2, Cameron King 2, Davin Crampton, Ben Spina tries; Shaun Nona 7 goals) def CQ CAPRAS 26 (Rhys Williams 2, Marlon Doak, Marco Delapena, Sam Pierce tries; Theeran Pearson 3 goals) at Browne Park
