Brothers lift rivalry to whole new level
Brothers Cairns coach has focus set on the long game after trial loss
A WEEK is a long time in rugby league – just ask Cairns Brothers coach Paul Stevens.
Stevens’ Cairns Brothers hosted Townsville Brothers at Stan Williams Park on Saturday, in what was the Cairns club’s first home trial for 2019.
The contest was the second of a two-match home-andaway series between the clubs, after Cairns Brothers were on the wrong end of a seven-tries- to-two trouncing in Townsville the weekend prior.
Although falling short of a win on Saturday, Cairns Brothers put in a much better showing to go down 32-30.
“We let in some early tries, but as the game progressed I thought we just got better and better,” he said.
“We ended up winning the second half 20-6.”
Stevens said Saturday’s line-up was a better representation of what the club’s fullstrength A-grade side would look like, with Northern Pride contracted players Evan Child and Terrence Casey-Douglas slotting into the side, alongside development players Elijah Simpson, Quinlyn Cannon and Evan’s brother Corey.
“The Pride boys only had a one-hour session (with the team) on Thursday night, so I was really happy with how they gelled,” he said.
Elsewhere in the team, Stevens said he was impressed with power-pack prop Abiu Pearson. “He’s worked really hard this pre-season – he’s looking fit and played some big minutes for us on Saturday,” he said.
“When it comes around to Foley Shield time, I can see him banging on the door for selection.”
Theo Majid was another shining light for the Cairns Brothers, wearing the No.7 jersey.
The former Australian touch football representative is making a return to rugby league in 2019 following a sixyear spell from the sport.
Despite it being their first game together, Majid and halves partner Evan Child showed signs of becoming a potent pairing this upcoming CDRL season.
“For only his second run back after not playing for such a long time, Theo was very good for us,” said Stevens.
“He clicked with Evan in the halves and the combination just kept getting better as the game went on.”