A Brothers premiership star will replace outgoing Northern Pride coach Ty Williams

And a return to the top of the Hostplus Cup for the first time in a decade appears to be a key factor.

Eric Smith will take the reins as head coach from November 1, succeeding current mentor Ty Williams, whose 120-plus coaching career at the Pride will cease at the end of the season.

When announcing the end of Williams’ tenure the Pride wrote a new coach would be found in “timely manner”, and one week later almost to the minute, the club has announced Smith will step into the role to become the club’s sixth head coach in its history.

Smith brings with him years of experience at every level of the game.

A former premiership-winner at Brothers in the CDRL, Smith has also formerly coach at Sunshine Coast and Easts Tigers, as well as in the Melbourne Storm and Newcastle Knights systems.

He was recently an assistant coach for fellow former Brothers man Adam O’Brien at the Knights.

“Eric has a proven ability to identify and nurture talent, and he believes in the importance of empowering athletes to reach their full potential both on and off the field,” the statement read.

“We are confident that Eric will play a pivotal role in shaping the future success of the Northern Pride.”

The Pride was once a true heavyweight in the Queensland Cup competition.

Founded in 2007, the club finished in the top four in all but once season from the inaugural 2008 campaign to 2014, when current South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou led the Pride to the Queensland Cup and NRL State Championship.

That was the last time they enjoyed premiership success.

It’s been tough going ever since, with the club making the finals just three times – once under Joe O’Callghan in 2015, and twice under Williams (2018, 2022).

The Pride is eighth and a good chance of making the finals again this year, but, according to the statement, it appears the club wants to finish far higher in a season which will mark a decade since their last premiership.

“Eric will be working closely with our players, coaching staff, and management to lead Northern Pride to being a genuine premiership contender,” the statement read.

“We have every confidence that Eric will build upon the club’s strong foundations and continue to drive the values of discipline, effort, teamwork, and respect that define our proud history.”

Williams will see out the remainder of this season, with the club to host Western Clydesdales in a crucial Hostplus Cup clash this Saturday.

The game serves as a curtain raiser to the Rabbitohs’ clash with St George-Illawarra Dragons.

‘Face of the Pride’: Praise for Williams after big call on future

Outgoing Northern Pride coach Ty Williams has been praised for his dedication and contribution to the club, with the former Cowboys champion described as the perfect example of the club.

Williams earlier this week announced his intention to step down as head coach at the end of the year, bringing an end to a stint which started back in 2017.

He is the only person to have coached the Pride for 100 games, and he has an opportunity to become the first to reach 50 wins as coach in his final few weeks in the role.

But more than on-field wins and losses, it is his character and overall journey which received rave reviews from current chief executive Garreth Smith and former chairman Tony Williamson.

“Ty is a great representation of what the club’s about,” Smith said.

“From being a young kid playing in the region then going away and representing at the NRL level and Origin, then following the pathway back to play and captain the Pride, and follow-on then to be the coach, and provide those opportunities to our young kids – for me, that’s his legacy.

“He’s done the whole thing.

“It’s not just the past 18 months … he’s followed the journey up and back, and that’s great.”

Smith said emotions were mixed.

“Obviously you’re a bit sad about it, he’s been a big part, certainly for me coming in 18 months ago, he’s been a big part of what we’ve been trying to do here,” Smith said.

“Saddened with him leaving but also excited for him.

“If he takes the time with his family, the opportunities are going come to him because he’s a good coach.

“Whatever decision he makes best will be in the best interest for him and his family, which is really important.

“He’s got the breathing space to do it.”

It was Williamson who was part of a front office that gave Williams a chance to coach the Pride.

They didn’t make the finals in 2017 they reached the post-season in 2018, a season in which

Williams was well-known as a Cowboys and Maroons legend, but had also spent three seasons playing, and captaining, the club before returning to his junior club, Innisfail.

He guided the Leprechauns to grand final glory, the most recent premiership they have won, and off the back of his time at Innisfail had a resume which was too good to refuse.

“He’s the face of the Pride,” Williamson said.

“Ty is Pride through and through, he’s a great role model and an outstanding human being.

“What he achieved coming from Innisfail and, then come back and play for the Pride when he finished his career at the Cowboys, and then to go back to his junior club, is just great.

“He had great success as a local coach, then put in for the Pride job at end of 2016, he had big shoes to fill following JD (Jason Demetriou) and Joe (O’Callaghan), and working with a reduced budget and playing group, he’s done outstanding.

“He represented the Pride better than anyone.”

Williamson wants to ensure Williams isn’t lost to the game, believing he can do big things if given the chance.

“I hope there are better rugby league opportunities for Ty because I think he sets a high standard,” Williamson said.

“I hope NRL clubs looks on with interest and take him on board – if that’s what they want.”

The Pride have begun the search for the next head coach of the club, but Williams will see out the club’s push for the Hostplus Cup finals.

FULL OF PRIDE

Outgoing Pride coach Ty Williams’ Hostplus Cup record

Started: 2017 – current

Games: 125* Wins: 49

Draws: 6 Losses: 77

Win percentage: 39.2%

The Pride have three games left in the regular season and can play finals.

WHY WILLIAMS WILL WALK AWAY

Ty Williams will take time to consider his next move as the longest tenured coach in Northern Pride history hits his final few games in charge of the Cairns club.

Williams told players of his decision to step aside at training on Tuesday night, with the former Cowboys and Maroons great to see out the rest of the season.

And family is at the heart of the decision.

“I want to spend more time with my family first and foremost, but it gives me some breathing space to plan the next move in my coaching career as well,” Williams said.

“Doing it this early gives time for the club to search for a new coach, but also puts everyone’s minds at ease in regards to the players. There’s contract negotiations with individuals.

“I’m looking forward to it actually, a bit of time to relax, reset then go again.”

He took the reins in 2017, becoming the first coach in the history of the Pride to reach 100 games in charge.

The Pride have played in the finals twice during that time, and are in the thick of the battle for the top eight this season.

Williams led the team during several leadership changes at the club, and also played a key role in helping the Pride – and its players – to navigate the Covid-impacted 2020 campaign.

Its not a decision which came out of the blue.

In a long interview with this masthead to mark his hundredth game, Williams was open about how he was closer to the end of his stint as the Pride’s coach than the beginning.

That time has come now, with at least three games left in his tenure at the club.

“Over the past two months I’ve had the thoughts in mind, and it’s not me individually, these are conversations I’ve had with my wife about what’s next for us,” Williams said.

“The periods I’ve moved through my footy career, whether playing or coaching, it’s been solely focused on myself, but I’ve got to consider my family and their options moving forward.

“I’ve been fairly open with Garreth about what I’m feeling, and it’s just time for me to make sure I get the next move in our lives right.

“I still want to coach and at a high level, but I need to make sure it’s right for not only myself, but my family moving forward.”

In a statement the club wrote that the “legacy he leaves behind and the lasting impact of his contributions to the Northern Pride will be valued for years to come”.

The Pride will now begin their search for a new head coach “who will embrace the values and vision of our club, ensuring a seamless transition and continued success on and off the field”.

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The Pride are eighth on the Hostplus Cup ladder with three games left, starting with an away trip to the seventh-placed Tweed Seagulls on Saturday.

The club will play their last two games of the regular season at Barlow Park, when they host Western Clydesdales (Saturday, August 12) then Redcliffe Dolphins (Saturday, August 19), both of which will determine their finals future.

Williams has been stranded on 49 wins since the end of June and just needs one more to reach the elusive half century milestone.

Originally published as A Brothers premiership star will replace outgoing Northern Pride coach Ty Williams