LOCAL FOOTY IS BACK
CENTRALS prop Matthew Bonanno says the elation of breaking their 16-year premiership drought has only made the Tigers hungrier for more TDRL glory.
The season kicks off this weekend and Centrals are set to be the hunted after Cowboys legend Matt Bowen guided them to a spectacular 46-22 win over Brothers in last year’s grand final.
It was the club’s first Agrade title since 2002 with the celebrations lasting for “a few days” and Bonanno said the Tigers were determined to back it up this season.
“You can definitely feel a sense of happiness because we’re the premiers, but it’s made us want to work harder as well. There’s that expectation to turn up now and try and do it again,” he said.
“It’s a good vibe around the club. We didn’t lose a lot of players from last year and we’ve picked up a couple as well.
“I think the boys are loving the chance to go back-toback.”
Centrals take on Western Lions at Townsville Sports Reserve on Sunday with Brothers travelling to Herbert River while Norths host Charters Towers at Peggy Banfield Park tomorrow night.
The Tigers have Bowen returning as coach, but Bonanno said he wasn’t sure if the former NRL star would lace up the playing boots again.
“I think everyone’s trying to push him to run around again. It’s good for the boys to have him around coaching, but to have him on the field beside you is another thing altogether,” Bonanno said.
Meanwhile, Brothers hooker Nathan Norford said they were itching for grand final redemption this season as the club celebrates its 100th anni- versary. Brothers have had a few personnel changes with halfback Michael Parker-walshe returning to the Queensland Cup while veteran Roy Baira is taking the reins as head coach.
Baira played in Brothers’ 2017 premiership and Norford expected him to bring a competitive edge to the coaching role.
“We know how Roy played the game. He’s always been a tough footballer and he’s always ready to rip in and do the one percenters so that’s what we’ll be looking to do,” Norford said.
“He played last year and he’s well respected within the club. We’ve learnt a lot off him and now we’ve got our job to do.”
Brothers and Herbert River have had some physical battles over the years and Norford expected no different when they travel to Ingham for Sunday afternoon’s season opener.
“River’s always hard. They’re going to turn up and they’re going to be tough so we need to be ready for it,” he said.
THERE’S THAT EXPECTATION TO TURN UP NOW AND TRY AND DO IT AGAIN MATTHEW BONNANO