Football Operations Support Role - Applications close Friday, 12 June 2026

About the role

Northern Pride RLFC is seeking a Football Operations Support Officer to join our team. In this role, you will play a crucial part in the smooth running of our football operations, supporting our coaching staff and players to achieve success on the field. The role is based in Cairns, Queensland.

Reporting to the Football Operations Manager:

You will be

  • Providing administrative support to the coaching staff, including scheduling, travel planning, and training logistics
  • Providing operational execution of all tasks associated with training, game days, events and club activities
  • Assisting with the coordination of player welfare initiatives, such as medical appointments and rehabilitation programmes
  • Maintaining accurate player and team records, including statistics, injury reports, performance, and compliance data
  • Liaising with all stakeholders, such as QRL and venue operators, to ensure seamless game-day operations
  • Supporting the implementation of club policies and procedures related to football operations
  • Identifying opportunities for process improvements and contributing to the ongoing development of the club’s football operations

You will have

  • Proven experience in operations or sports administration role, ideally within a professional or semi-professional sporting organisation
  • Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and work effectively under pressure
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build productive relationships with key stakeholders
  • Proficient in the use of relevant software and technology, including database management and data analysis tools
  • A passion for rugby league and a commitment to supporting the success of the Northern Pride RLFC

What we offer

At Northern Pride RLFC, we are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment that enables our employees to thrive. This contract role offers the opportunity to be a part of a dynamic and high-performing team, with the potential for ongoing development and growth. We offer competitive remuneration, flexible working arrangements, and a range of employee benefits to support your wellbeing and work-life balance.

About us

Northern Pride RLFC is a professional rugby league club based in Cairns, Queensland. With a proud history dating back to the 1960s, we are dedicated to the development of rugby league in the region and the pursuit of on-field success. Our team competes in the Queensland Cup, one of the premier rugby league competitions in Australia, and we are committed to providing the best possible experience for our players, coaches, and supporters.

Apply now via email: operations@northernpride.com.au

NORTHERN PRIDE

Our Staff

Board

Garreth Smith

Chief Executive Officer

Garreth leads the Northern Pride’s strategic direction and oversees the club’s operational, commercial, and community functions, with a strong focus on leadership and long-term sustainability.

Kim McPhe-Smith

Chair of the Board

Garreth leads the Northern Pride’s strategic direction and oversees the club’s operational, commercial, and community functions, with a strong focus on leadership and long-term sustainability.

Joel Riethmuller

Kym McPhe-Smith

Leon Yeatman

Leon brings strong governance experience, deep community knowledge, and a lifelong commitment to Indigenous and remote player pathways. A proud Yarrabah local and former representative player, he contributes valuable cultural insight, integrity, and over 35 years of rugby league experience to the Northern Pride.

Stephen Devenish

Stephen brings more than 30 years of legal experience and governance insight to the Northern Pride Board.

A long-serving supporter of rugby league in FNQ, he is committed to strong community engagement, excellence on the field, and the unsung heroes who make the club’s success possible.

Mark Whitnall

Mark joined the Northern Pride Board in 2019 as an independent director, driven by a desire to give back to the game that shaped opportunities for his family.

He is committed to strengthening rugby league pathways across Far North Queensland and supporting the club’s exciting growth, including its entry into the 2025 Women’s BMD Premiership and its enhanced affiliation with the North Queensland Cowboys.

Nick Kenny

HPC Coaching Staff

SAM WILLIAMS

HEAD COACH

Sam brings extensive NRL experience and strong leadership to the Northern Pride as Head Coach for the 2026 season. A former Canberra Raiders halfback with more than 100 first-grade games, he is highly regarded for his game management, professionalism, and ability to develop young talent within high-performance environments.

CAMERON MILLER

ASSISTANT COACH

IAN BLAKE

HEAD OF PERFORMANCE

Ian brings nine years of professional high-performance experience from rugby union and joins the Northern Pride as Head of Performance after relocating from New Zealand. Passionate about returning to rugby league, he is committed to driving player development and building a strong, disciplined, and connected performance environment for the club.

BMD Coaching Staff

COLIN WILKE

HEAD COACH + ELITE PATHWAYS & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

ASSISTANT COACH

JOSHUA PIN

HEAD OF PERFORMANCE

OperationAL Staff

RAINE PORTER

COMMERCIAL MANAGER

Raine leads the Northern Pride’s commercial, partnerships, and community engagement portfolio, driving growth through strong relationships and meaningful local impact. With a passion for connecting people and creating value for the region, she plays a key role in strengthening the club’s footprint across Far North Queensland.

TANYA TULLY

FOOTBALL OPERATIONS MANAGER

Jackson Nicolau

WELL-BEING & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS MANAGER

An inaugural Northern Pride player, Jackson now leads the club’s wellbeing and community programs. Born and raised in Innisfail, he brings a deep understanding of the region and is committed to supporting players’ mental health, personal growth, and cultural wellbeing across Far North Queensland.

VANESSA HARPER

ADMIN & EVENTS MANAGER

Vanessa is in her second season with the Northern Pride and plays a key role across operations, events, memberships, merchandise, and volunteer coordination. Known for her energy, organisation, and genuine passion for people, she helps create a professional, welcoming, and community-focused experience for everyone connected to the club.

ANNIE FISHBURN

ACCOUNTS MANAGER 

Annie has been with the Northern Pride for four years as Accounts Manager and is a long-time supporter of the club. Highly organised and deeply passionate about the Pride’s success, she plays a key role behind the scenes and continues to contribute across multiple areas, including game day volunteering.