BROTHERS TRIUMPH OVER STRONG KANGAROOS

COURTESY RHYS O'NEILL @ THE CAIRNS POST

CHEY Bird calls them the “false Roos”, but the Brothers coach reckons his side got a taste of the real premiers on
Saturday night.
The Brethren may have secured a gritty 20-12 victory over their derby neighbours at Vico Oval but it was the last placed Kangaroos who made a
big statement.
The CDRL pacesetters had to work the whole way against a team that has won just twice this season and now sit six
points from the top five. Led by big men Joel Riethmuller and Matt Bon, the visitors overcame greasy conditions and a Roos side that looks primed to recapture their trademark aura to join Tully atop the ladder.
Bird said while the two points are satisfying, the match left him wary of what sort of footy Michael White’s side are
capable.
“It’s been a false Roos so far,” he said.
“They have had a pretty horrendous run with injuries and haven’t gone close to having their best side on the paddock. “They did (on Saturday
night); Jared Allen makes a huge difference to their attack.
“Rikki Barba is back around the ruck and Travis Peeters and Keelan White stiffen themup.
“They are a good footy side,they just haven’t had the playerson the park.
“Two years ago they were in an identical position and flewhome to win the comp.
“I can see a similar run coming for them.
“They will be tough to beat throughout the rest of the year.”
If that’s the case, Brothers will be thankful to get the spoils while Roos are on the canvas.
In conditions that guaranteed a forward battle, the teams went to the sheds at 6-6 before the hosts opened a four point lead for much of the second stanza.
A Justin Castellaro penalty goal from 25m out made it 14-12 to Brothers before Roos’ short kick-off with time running out allowed Denzel King a try as the siren sounded.
“It was an old-fashioned arm wrestle,” Bird said.
“There was plenty of intent with the physicality.
“Defensively both teams were excellent.
“I was happy to win in the style we did.
“The desperation that has been lacking in our defence was back so that was pleasing.”
Bird said the presence of former Cowboys backrower Riethmuller played a unheralded but crucial role in the victory.
“His experience in that second half, he really rolled his sleeves up,” he said.
“He didn’t make huge line breaks or anything but his workrate increased dramatically.”