Kinetic backs Northern Pride in 2025 with new partnership

Rugby League runs deep in North Queensland, and in Cairns, few teams inspire as much passion as the Northern Pride. Now, thanks to a new partnership with Kinetic, the Pride are set to charge into the 2025 season with even greater momentum.

Northern Pride celebrated their season in style in February, hosting a launch event that brought together players, fans and one of the most eye-catching symbols of the partnership – a Kinetic bus wrapped in the team’s bold colours and branding.

The men's team will once again compete in the Hostplus Cup, while this year marks an exciting milestone as the Pride debut their first women's team in the BMD Premiership.

As the feeder club to the North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL, the Northern Pride has long been a launching platform for the next generation of rugby league stars. But their impact extends beyond the game. Through their ‘Pride in Practise’ program, the club sends players into schools to mentor young people, teaching resilience and teamwork.

Kinetic’s General Manager – North Queensland, John O’Brien, couldn’t be more excited about the partnership.  

“The Northern Pride are an essential part of our community,” he said.  

“We know that sporting organisations in North Queensland often have limited funding to work with, so every dollar counts. We’re proud to step up and support.”

Through this partnership, Kinetic is providing transport and funding to help drive the Northern Pride’s success—both on the field and in the wider community.  

“Beyond footy, the ‘Pride in Practise’ program allows us to connect with local schools and engage students while also promoting safe bus travel.”

It’s a program Raine Porter, Head of Commercial Partnerships at the Northern Pride, said had recently expanded.  

“We now have a dedicated support person taking athletes from our men’s and women’s teams into schools and local clubs each week,” she said.  

“Our players are recognisable in the community. It means a lot for young people to interact with them, learn what it takes to be in their position, and then see them performing on the weekends. They really take on a mentorship role.”  

The impact of the partnership with Kinetic is already being felt. At a recent trial match, the Northern Pride-branded bus was called into action to transport the opposing team—much to the delight of local supporters.

“The fans got a kick out of seeing the opposition riding in the team’s colours—it almost seemed tactical,” O’Brien said.  

Looking ahead, Cairns is poised for an exciting new chapter in sport, with the North Queensland Cowboys exploring plans to base their women’s team in the city by 2027. If realised, this move would further strengthen Cairns’ position as a key hub for rugby league in North Queensland.

Ms Porter believes there’s a lot to look forward to.  

“It's a really exciting time to be involved in rugby league in the region.”  

As a proud Cairns local, O’Brien is eager to see Northern Pride begin their season.

“Sport is such a big part of the community up here. We can’t wait to support the Pride teams in chasing premiership glory.”

All eyes are now on March 15, when the men’s team begin their season, with the women commencing in June. 

Further enquiries

Loni Jeffs
Communications Specialist
loni.jeffs@wearekinetic.com