BROTHERS GIVE OLD BOYS REASON FOR CHEER

Courtesy Rhys O'Neill @ The Cairns Post

NOT every member possesses the experience of rivals but Brothers’ no-frills pack is clear evidence of why Chey Bird’s boys are back atop the CDRL.
A 46-18 victory over Kangaroos on Saturday, coupled with Tully’s tight loss to Innisfail, saw Brothers jump two points clear at the head of the ladder.
The return to the summit is telling of the rebuild that’s happened at Stan Williams Park after the disappointment of missing last year’s top-five.
Rising stars Ben Schell, Corey Child, Darryn Schonig and Simon Roberts were entrusted with steadying the ship in 2015 and were again instrumental to the win over Roos.
Throw in NRL backrower Joel Riethmuller and the dependable PJ Webb and Matty Bon and Bird’s got the firepower to ignite his backline.
“Innisfail and Tully have got established players in those positions in the pack,” he said.
“We have got a young pack that is only starting to play consistent A-grade footy.
“Everyone is doing their job and it’s not being left up to one or two guys.
“Our pack has been great for us all year.
“You need your pack every week and it’s their hard work that is helping our backline and giving them room.”
The CDRL ladder now looks very much a race in three for the premiership.
“Tully have been the benchmark all year,” Bird said.
“Tully and Innisfail are playing very, very well at the moment.
“Who is the favourite? I’d love a crystal ball that says we are the team to beat.”
Brothers have had issues with injuries in recent weeks, making the demolition of Roos all the more impressive.
Captain Robbie Swain (neck) and Jayden Gil (neck) could both potentially return this season in what would be a major boost.
“But you don’t want to rush those injuries,” Bird said.
“It will be a case of putting their health first.”
Halfback Nathan Curcio (knee) and Northern Pride hooker Denzel King (jaw) also remain chances of returning for the CDRL finals.