Cowboys back-rower signs 2014 deal with the Northern Pride

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All players look to ply their trade somewhere in rugby league and for Blake Leary, his journey has taken him to the Northern Pride, with the North Queensland Cowboys back-rower signing a deal with the Pride for the 2014 season.

Leary, still only 22, has been involved with the Pride in previous seasons as per the feeder arrangement the Cowboys have with the club and has played in 39 games over those three years.

With a couple of first-grade appearances to his name, Pride coach Jason Demetriou is thrilled to have Leary signed on as a full-time player and looks forward to seeing him play in 2014.

“Blake was outstanding in the 17 games he played for us last season, and was a key part of the club winning our first ever minor premiership,” Demetriou said.

“His attacking threat proved vital with his ability to break the line on a regular basis, and his enthusiasm on the paddock had a great impact on the rest of the boys.

“We’re really looking forward to having Blake with us full-time, and I’m sure we’ll see the best of his ability in 2014.”

Key relationships at a club are crucial and for Leary himself, it was one that he formed with coach Demetriou that made it an easy decision to commit to the Pride for 2014.

“I just think the Pride get the best football out of me,” he said.

“They’re a good bunch of blokes (at the Pride), and the structure JD has them playing under suits the way I play.”

Leary will also be partaking in an important initiative the Pride have up and running and that is their Take Pride campaign, aimed at securing education, health and well-being for remote areas around far North Queensland.

“Blake is an individual who is passionate about creating opportunities and pathways for children and young adults, and also providing positive community outcomes through education,” Pride CEO Brock Schaefer said.

“The Take Pride Program is all about promoting education, employment, health, well-being and sporting messages in urban and remote communities across Far North Queensland.

“Blake will be an important part of helping to deliver those messages, and we know his high-profile status will really help in achieving the program’s aims.”