Words: Michael Flynn

Western Pride have confirmed captain Jesse Rigby will return for the club in the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2016 season.

Rigby is the first confirmed signing for Pride since the end of the 2015 campaign, which saw the Ipswich-based club finish eleventh in the standings.

The 18-year-old midfielder, who is a nominee for the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Under 23 All-Stars and a product of Queensland Academy of Sport, started in all 20 of his appearances for Pride this season.

He previously played Under 18’s and Youth Men’s football with Pride prior to making his senior PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland debut in 2015.

Rigby said he was delighted to repay the club’s faith in him by recommitting for next season.

“I think Western Pride has a lot of potential going forward and I’m happy there - they were the first club to give me a proper go at playing first team,” Rigby said.

He added that he believes the team can build on their 2015 campaign and challenge for honours next year.

“We had a lot of younger boys this season but with that experience I think we can push for the top four if we play to our potential,” Rigby concluded.

Pride coach Graham Harvey, who took the reins at the club in the latter part of the 2015 season, said Rigby’s return will serve as a cornerstone in preparations for next season.

“Jesse’s return was high priority for me. He is club captain but also a really talented, young footballer with the potential to play at the higher level should he play another good season with Pride.”

“I know he rates what we are doing at this club and hopefully his return will encourage other players to commit to the club for next year as well.”