True grit on show ahead of final test

THIS is a Brothers outfit that does not hide behind an underdogs tag. This is a unit where their pressure comes from within – they expect results, they demand success.

It is why coach Connor Barrett will not be shying away from the task of ending the Teachers West dynasty in the Townsville and District Rugby Union. He demands their best football, and they will need to deliver come the big day.

Having fought to the final minutes in their 10-3 semi-final victory over North Ward, what stood out for Barrett was the grit Brothers showed with their backs against the wall.

With just 10 minutes on the clock, Brothers were reduced to 13 men as two found themselves in the sin bin. But despite field territory going against them, they stood up, battle-hardened by close contests throughout the season.

For the first-year mentor, it was the perfect preparation for the grand final.

“For us coming into a grand final, we’re hardened for close matches, we haven’t had the good fortune of beating teams by large margins,” Barrett said.

“We’re the underdogs, there’s on question about that, we know we’re up against it and it’ll be a battle to the end.

“(But) we don’t hide behind an underdog tag. I think some teams do that because they can claim it’s against them.

“They’ve won five premierships in a row, they’re not going to let us take one.

“We’ve got to try and outmuscle them is the nicest way to put it. They’re not going to open the floodgates.”

Brothers club captain Michael Boniface again featured on the scoresheet, showcasing his ability to “always be there”.

The winger was described by Barrett as “the quiet influence” around the club, commanding respect by how he acts and what he doesn’t say, as opposed to what he does say.

Adopting a simple on-field philosophy – catch, run and pass – his composure on the flank has been pivotal in guiding a youthful unit which has found its feet in first grade.

Last year, a disappointing campaign was trademarked by a regeneration process, with several youngsters earning their stripes in Townsville’s top rugby union competition.

Despite only growing by one year, Barrett said their ability to take those tough 2019 lessons has made them the players they are today, which has assisted in his ability to implement an unpredictable brand of football each week.

That will again be the strategy going into the title decider against Teachers West, but he said ultimately their rivals would likely do the same.

“I’m really proud of anyone who has worn the jumper, we’ve had a number make the step up as young men … and for them not getting a grand final appearance last year has made them passionate to get it,” Barrett said.

“I don’t want a team being able to train all week against us knowing what we’re going to do. We see that in many codes where teams don’t change, so we’ve incorporated many styles of play.

“I’m sure they’ll (Teachers) bring something special (to the final) that we haven’t seen.”