Lawson Creighton’s availability is a huge plus for Brothers as they take aim at Randwick in a classic Australian Club Championship clash at Crosby Park on Saturday.
The scheming and organisation that Creighton injected from flyhalf into last year’s StoreLocal Hospital Cup grand final was a major factor in Brothers’ rousing 26-24 win over Wests.
The congested ranks at No.10 for the Queensland Reds mean Creighton is free of Super Rugby Pacific duties for now and available to steer the Brethren on Saturday.
“To have Lawson pairing with (inside centre) Paddy James as old heads to steer the ship is massive,” said Brothers coach Ben McCormack.
Creighton too is looking forward to a big atmosphere.
“Obviously, I want to be playing Super Rugby but I love the place at Brothers so to play the Australian Club Championship is pretty cool, Winning the grand final with the club last year is right up there as a moment for me” Creighton said.
McCormack has first-hand experience of what an Australian Club Champs day means.
He played at No.8 for Brothers when they triumphed over Sydney University 36-26 in the 2010 edition.
Only Brothers Life Members Ron Price and Tony Shaw have won a Championship double as player and coach.
“No pressure,” McCormack said with a laugh.
“Any time there is a Brothers v Randwick clash you just jump at it to get involved. We’ll be having a proper crack.
“I coached at Randwick too. I know how similar these two great clubs are with the way the community gets behind them.”
Junior Wallabies winger Tim Ryan is another bonus inclusion or the Brothers backline just a week after making his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the Queensland Reds off the bench against the Chiefs.
Brothers and Randwick have met five times before in the Australian Club Championship.
They were the go-ahead clubs which kickstarted the modern concept of the match in 1974 when Wallaby-studded sides from both clubs met at Ballymore.
Brothers triumphed 45-22 with the McLean brothers, Paul and Jeff, merrily kicking goals from all quarters or scoring tries.
Brothers’ Wallabies centre David L’Estrange remembers the day better than anyone because he met his bride-to-be Julie at the post-match function.
The early season slot means more unpredictability but McCormack is delighted with last weekend’s preparation.
“A lung-burner against the Reds Development XV and University of Queensland in two halves was just the trial we needed,” McCormack said.
Trojan worker Will Wilson was excelling again at lock after an extended premiership celebration period.
Leo McCarthy is another industrious inclusion at flanker but forward Michael Wood (calf) won’t be there after a recent training injury.
The go-ahead Brothers club have scheduled a full day of rugby with Wests playing Tuggeranong Vikings (ACT) in the main curtain-raiser.
BROTHERS: Harry Lloyd, Dom Fraser, George Tuineau, Brad Kapa, Will Wilson, Leo McCarthy, Noah Nielsen, Brad Hemopo, Isaac Tarabay, Lawson Creighton, Kamilo Guido, Patrick James, Grason Makara, Tim Ryan, Jake Sargood. Reserves: Angus Lovelock, Quentin Raravula, Jaiden Christian, TBC, Nick Cross, Will Cartwright, Dre Pakeho, Billy Bulley
Also:
Challengers (1:30pm): Wests v Tuggeranong Vikings (ACT)
Country v Coast (12:15pm): Roma Echidnas v Maroochydore Swans
