Pressure’s on Brothers to play full 80
JACOB GRAMS BROTHERS coach Robbie Swain expects nothing less than an 80-minute performance from his side against Edmonton tomorrow in preparation for their elimination final next weekend.
The club will be at full strength for the faithful at Stan Williams Park, but for an injury to Jonico Hardwick, and Swain has given no thought to resting his stars coming off a bye.
The inclusion of Nathan Wales, who must play to qual- ify for CDRL finals, will further strengthen the Brethren and Swain expects a complete performance.
“This time of year with the team we have, there’s no excuses for us not playing the full 80 minutes, it doesn’t matter who you’re up against,” he said.
Swain will have a run for the sixth time this year and personally, he sees Edmonton as his best chance to break his duck for 2017 and avoid the dreaded “nudie run”.
“I haven’t scored as yet this year, so I’m still on a nudie run apparently. I don’t know what the rules are for having to do it. I’ve never been in that situation.”
The game could also be an emotional one for Ben Fitzpatrick, who is set to play his last game at Stan Williams Park.
“Fitzy” is expected to retire at the end of the season, although that was the plan last year.
A big crowd is expected for the clash between Atherton and Innisfail Brothers at Roosters Stadium tonight.
The Roosters have won four in a row and five of their last six, while the Leprechauns are on a high after claiming the minor premiership.
Roosters secretary Darryl Day said the players were eager to keep their roll going and finish on a high, despite the finals being out of reach.
“They’re just taking it as it comes as they have the last four games. They seemed pretty pumped up at training,” he said.
Kick-off in A-grade at Roosters Stadium, which will also host Eacham Junior Rugby League grand final day, is at 7pm.