Christie allegiance split as GPS host Easts

Growing up in Warwick on the Darling Downs, brothers Tom and Tim Christie developed a great love of Rugby, passed down from their father Ron.

They’ve played for Scots College, the Warwick Water Rats and Sunnybank Rugby Club, but this week their allegiances will be tested when Tom lines up for GPS and Tim for Easts, as the two clubs go head-to-head.

Tom (27) and Tim (24) have always been close and followed similar paths as they grew up playing Junior Rugby in country Queensland.

“We didn’t play and Rugby together as juniors due to the age gap between us,” Tom said.

“The first time we played together was at Sunnybank in senior grades, but we played a lot of backyard Rugby together. We played one-on-one against each other, and two-on-one against our dad Ron. He used to run at us and teach us how to tackle.”

Both boys attended Scots College in Warwick from grade 1 through to grade 12, and in their final years of school they began turning out for the Warwick Water Rats in the Risdon Cup competition, following in the footsteps of their dad.

“We used to play our First XV game for Scots at 11:00am in the morning, then would bench for the Water Rats in the afternoon at 3:00pm,” Tim said.

“It was funny being in Grade 12 and playing against men but it was great. Tom was even lucky enough to play with our old man. Saturday always revolved around sport and involved a full day of Rugby and dad loved it.”

When Tom finished school, he made the move to Brisbane’s south side and was followed by Tim soon after. The pair finally got the chance to play club Rugby together for Sunnybank.

“I moved to Brisbane in 2008 and was here for three years before Tim came along. At that point I was playing for Sunnybank and Tim then came to the club and we played a few seasons together,” Tom said.

Tom made the move to GPS in 2014, due to his living and work arrangements, and experienced success for the Gallopers in his first season, winning the Premier Reserve Grade title under then GPS Reserve Grade coach Nick Fogarty.

“The way things eventuated with work and my living situation, it became more convenient for me to play at GPS. But in saying that I still have a lot of good mates at Sunnybank, they’re a good club,” Tom said.

“I always had a few mates at GPS who were in my ear to make the move but it wasn’t until I moved to Spring Hill that it was really viable. I’m loving it at Ashgrove through, it’s a great club with a great culture.”

Tim had a year off in 2014, before a similar situation saw him make the move from Sunnybank as well.

“When Tom left, I had a year off before making the move to Easts. I’ve had a great time playing there and have made some really good mates so I can’t see myself moving anytime soon,” Tim said.

Tim has been playing regularly for Easts in Brisbane First Grade, while Tom has been playing for GPS’ Premier Reserve Grade side. While they have played plenty of Rugby together, they’ve never lined up opposite each other. This Saturday could provide that opportunity for the brothers, should Tim come off the bench in Premier Reserve Grade for Easts.

“It would be unreal. I’ve never played against Tom,” Tim said.

“We’ve played with each other but never against each other. It would take us back to our backyard days. If we were caught at the bottom of a ruck we’d probably just laugh at each other.”

While the brothers play at separate clubs on opposite sides of town, the two remain close and don’t take their rivalry all too seriously.

“We have a bit of banter but not too much, we’re pretty supportive of each other and have always been pretty close but in saying that we can both pretty competitive,” Tom said.

“We both kick goals and I think Tim currently has the lead on me, but it’s a long season.

“At the end of the day we both play Rugby for the enjoyment and I love to see Tim do well and we get out and support each other when we can. The rivalry isn’t too big but there might be a bit more at stake this weekend.”