Andrew Piva © The Cairns Post

AFTER what happened in his last game for the Northern Pride, you cannot blame Alex Starmer for counting down the days until the start of the trials.

The prop broke his collarbone in the opening minutes of last season’s Queensland Cup grand final and was helpless to do anything as the Pride went down to the Sunshine Coast 32-18. 

"Gee, thanks for reminding me," Starmer said jokingly yesterday.  "I'd nearly forgotten about that." Read more: Starmer itching for long break to end