All Chris Ostwald has wanted to do is make himself, his family, and his hometown proud. Now, he brings up his 100th Hostplus Cup game as a member of the Northern Pride.
Whether it was the first time he laced up a pair of footy boots for the mighty Gayndah Gladiators, through his juniors with Central Burnett Brumbies and Kingaroy Red Ants, the opportunity he had as a member of the Broncos’ under-20s system in the NYC days or wearing the orange and black of Easts Tigers, Ostwald has always been driven by a sense of pride.
That word – pride – has been the driving force behind much of Ostwald’s rugby league career.
So it is perhaps fitting that Ostwald will line for his 100th Hostplus Cup game as captain of the Northern Pride, when they return home to Barlow Park on Sunday.
Chris Ostwald is captain of the Northern Pride. Picture: Brendan Radke
It was more than a month ago he played game No. 99, but an MCL tear has kept him sidelined since – even though he returned to the field in the game he suffered the injury, scored a try, and has been desperate to play since.
“It’s just a proud moment,” Ostwald said.
“Everyone sees those milestones, but nobody sees the hard work behind the doors. The 4am wake-ups, the gym, the late nights.
“I’m just pretty proud of myself to be part of that prestigious little group who have hit the 100 in the Q Cup.”
Chris Ostwald was the Senior Sea Eagle of the Year when he was a rising U16s player. Photo Contributed
THE BIG MOMENTS
There are three moments that stick out in the career of the former Kingaroy Red Ants junior, and it should be no surprise that his debut and featuring in a grand final rank among the biggest.
“It’s funny, everyone seems to remember their first,” Ostwald said.
“I played at Piggabeen against Tweed for the Easts Tigers. We actually lost that game.
“I was just proud I suppose, representing my small country town of Gayndah and the Wide Bay region to make the state league level, and to see the hard work I put in, but my family put in, my friends and family support. I did it for them.
“You always remember your debut so that’s a very special game, close to my heart.
“I played in the grand final against Redcliffe, so that’s up there with one of the biggest experiences of my life.
“Running out with the boys at Suncorp Stadium on a Sunday with a full house; that was a special moment.”
Chris Ostwald in his Easts Tigers days. Picture: Richard Walker
The third came after his move to Cairns for the 2020 season, which was cancelled due to the Covid outbreak after just one game.
Ostwald had just moved to Cairns, not only for footy but through work as a teacher at Bentley Park College, and it was not long until his leadership qualities shine through.
And while the 28-year-old still holds that dream of a call-up to a NRL team, you get the feeling he is content, and satisfied, with his position in life as it stands now.
Chris Ostwald. Picture: Anna Rogers
“Being named captain of the Northern Pride,” he said.
“It’s a big thing to make 100 games, but to lead the team out week to week is special.
“You dream of getting the call to join a NRL squad but I’m extremely happy and proud of what I’ve done in rugby league.
“My current step is helping to develop junior players, that’s the big role I’ve got at the Pride.
“Though I’m captain, I like to work with a lot of the junior players and giving them the opportunity to either make their debut or develop them as a player.”
THE IMPACT
There is no underselling the gravity of Pride coach Ty Williams’ words about the man he first appointed co-captain in 2021 and has kept in the role ever since.
“He’s one guy I’d love to stand by in the line,” Williams said.
Keep in mind that Williams isn’t just his coach.
Williams is a former NRL star who played more than 150 games for the Cowboys, and represented Queensland in three Origins.
Chris Ostwald arrived in the Far North for the 2020 campaign. Picture: Stewart McLean
So for him to say he’d love to go to war alongside Ostwald is a massive deal.
Part of that is due to the way he plays the game, but it’s also the leadership he has shown over the years and growth in both departments.
“He’s been massive for us, not only on the field but off the field with the role he plays in the community as a teacher,” Williams said.
“He came to our club looking for an opportunity, was only offered bench spots at the Tigers which was probably mostly due to the Melbourne affiliate.
“He was looking for that chance.
“He worked very hard, he’s developed his craft at a steady pace for us, but the way he leads this playing group, it’s something I’ve not seen before from a player I’ve coached.
Ostwald hasn’t rested on his laurels either.
He is always trying to improve, whether it’s his own skills or those of his peers, and he leads through his actions.
Chris Ostwald will play his 100th Hostplus Cup game on Sunday. Picture: Brendan Radke
Even over the past month, as he was forced to sit on the sideline and endured daily “Bradman” jibes, Williams said Ostwald had shown an approach, a maturity and attitude which reinforced why he is captain of this two-time premiership-winning club.
“What we’ve seen in the last eight months is the development of Ossie’s skill set through leadership,” Williams said.
“He’s not scoring as many tries as he would like, but he’s done so much for the team that is so important for us.
“When he defends, he puts his body in front – he’s not the biggest human but he goes out there to hurt, and that’s inspirational.
“He’s one guy I’d love to stand by in the line.
“You know what you get with Chris Ostwald, and that’s all his heart, and that’s why he’s captain of our club.”
And that is why he is so deserving of becoming the latest Hostplus Cup centenarian, a milestone he brings up at Barlow Park on Sunday afternoon.
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