BROTHERS TRUMP SUBURBS

COURTESY RHYS O'NEILL @ THE CAIRNS POST

BROTHERS coach Chey Bird says Southern Suburbs got to sample on Sunday what Intrust Super Cup rivals could soon be confronting.
The Brethren’s sixth straight triumph – the 34-28 victory hoisting them to top of the ladder – was significant for the return of Northern Pride centre Justin Castellaro.
Ten months after his ACL tear, Castellaro finally set foot on Stan Williams Park in his first step toward regaining his ISC position.
“He was good,” Bird said.
“He got involved from the first play and we were very happy with him.
“I wasn’t so much surprised with how he went, but his eagerness to get involved.
“When we got to our kicks he was making doubles and triples (tackles) and was really pushing himself.
“That showed he had a good, positive mindset about him.
“If he keeps getting more confidence ... in a few more weeks he’d put himself in the frame for (Pride) selection.
“The Pride aren’t short on outside backs but Judders at his best would be a starting Pride player.”
Brothers’ win over the Cockatoos again outlined the talent of hat-trick hero Broski Emery-Hunia and prop Matty Bon, who cut short his train-and-trial period with the Pride in pre-season.
“After that he got fitter than he was but obviously didn’t finish it,” Bird said.
“But he’s starting to find his feet again now.
“I have been rubbing my hands together about how good he could be.”
Bird said his side’s latest triumph proved they are maturing into a formidable force.