Past victors to spur Suburbs

SOUTHERN Suburbs are expecting a crowd of more than 500 to their CDRL match against Brothers tomorrow and some will be in more voice than others come the A-grade kick-off.

The club will be hosting a 20-year reunion for players from both sides involved in the 1997 grand final, which Suburbs won 20-12, as well as their annual sponsors day.

Southern Suburbs president Luke Saunders said the call for past players, who will enjoy drinks and food from midday, had been very successful.

“It’s going really well. We’re hopeful of getting 90 per cent of them there,” he said. “A few of them are travelling from out of town and Brothers have a fair few of their guys coming out on the day as well.”

Premiership captain Paul De Bosch has been instrumental in getting the word out to players from Mackay, Brisbane, Yarrabah and Torres Strait Islands.

Saunders said he hoped it inspired the Cockatoos to a much-needed win against the fierce rivals to keep their season alive.

“It would be nice if it gave them an extra push and with where we are on the ladder, we need that victory. If we get a win, we might still be a chance,” he said.

Suburbs will wear a specially designed maroon, yellow and white camouflage-style jersey for the match, to be auctioned off at the end of the game in a club fundraiser.