Club reaches out to its brothers in Tonga
BROTHERS are expecting a wave of new international support as the club lends a hand to the rugby union community in Tonga.
The Townsville club has extended its reach into the island nation, sending about six sets of club jerseys to community clubs.
The club has combined with Townsville businessman Ashley Finn through his distribution business Pacific Islands International to deliver the playing kits.
Brothers rugby president Adrian Gabrielli believes it is an initiative that could even give the club an on-field boost in future years.
“We just had them lying around, we thought it was a good cause to send them over to a rugby nation,” he said.
“I am sure they will send us photos in the jerseys and playing in club colours might even inspire a few of them to come to Townsville and wear them on the fields here.
“A whole lot of boys have done that, worn the Brothers jersey as a six-year-old or an eight-year-old and now play in our senior ranks.
“They probably have a great crop of big front row forwards over there, and we are always on the hunt for size.”
The goodwill gesture was put forward by the club’s committee and well supported by the playing ranks. It is hoped they will provide a sense of identity for the kids of Tonga as they all take the field in the same jerseys. It is understood the shipment includes both senior and junior jerseys.
“It is great to see a great bunch of young fellas thinking outside the square,” Mr Gabrielli said.