Brothers eye top of region honour

THEY claimed a clean sweep of the Townsville competition and Brothers insist they aren’t done winning trophies ahead of tonight’s Crad Evans Shield clash with Southside in Cairns.

The annual fixture pits the premiership winners from the North Queensland and Far North Queensland competitions against each other to be crowned the region’s top team.

Brothers haven’t won the prestigious trophy since 2002, but it has already been a drought- breaking season for the club after winning their first premiership- grand final double since 2010.

The Brethren also took out the NQ Cup knockout competition and coach Paul Daly said his side was determined to continue their winning run tonight in Cairns.

“We’ve got a good side and they’re all injury- free. The couple of weeks between the grand final and the Crad Evans has helped us repair a few broken bodies,” Daly said.

“The hard part was who to leave out. We’ve had a good year and it’s difficult when you’ve got to tell the boys who haven’t made the final side, but they’re all coming up to be part of the team effort.

“It’s been a long time since Brothers have had this sort of success. Olympic have been the benchmark for a while and we’ve had to work to match them this season.

“We’ve planned well and if we go out and lose, it won’t be because of our preparation or effort. We’re quietly confident that we can lift the trophy.”

Burdekin will take on Southside in the Youth division, with MA Olympic up against Innisfail in the Premier Ladies, while MA Olympic will also be in action against Innisfail in Reserve Grade.

“We’re going up there determined to have a good show … hopefully the Townsville sides will bring back the trophies in all grades,” Daly said. at Walker Road Sporting Precinct, Edmonton Southside Comets v Burdekin Panthers. Marlin Coast Rangers v MA Olympic. Innisfail United v MA Olympic. United v MA Olympic. Comets v Brothers. Innisfail Southside