Brothers look to build around youth in NRRRL

A REJUVENATED Marist Brothers have claimed a big scalp after defeating defending premiers Ballina 26-20 in Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League.

It was both teams’ first game after a rain-affected start to the season.

Brothers were dominant in the first half and set the win up after taking a 22-4 lead at Kingsford Smith Park, Ballina.

Co-captain Mitchell Krause led the way, scoring two tries, while halfback Shallin Fuller impressed.

He scored a first half try along with returning winger Damon Coldwell.

Coldwell crossed in the 70th minute to seal the win after a late fightback which saw Ballina centre Oliver Regan and hooker Michael Dwane score tries.

New coach, Darryl Butcher said Coldwell was one of a handful of young players he expected to perform well this season.

“We wanted to bring young blokes like Kye Cooper, Ethan Mumford and Damon into the team this season,” he said.

“We were a little bit burnt out by the time we reached the finals last year I thought.

“This year we’ve recruited in a couple of areas and we’re getting up to 40 blokes at training, so it’s been really positive so far.”

New fullback Noah King will be one to watch along with second-rower Henry Lee.

Lee played in the Northern Rivers representative team which made the NSW Country final last month.

The win also means Brothers regained the Denis Meaney Shield for the first time since 2012.

In other games, Mullumbimby has won back-to-back games after a convincing 36-10 win over Casino.

The Giants look like they will take another step towards a return to semi-finals based on early season form.

Second-rower Cody Nelson has been influential along with returning halfback Jacob Miller.

Elsewhere, Bilambil knocked over Evans Head 24-12, while Cudgen ran away with a 44-22 win over Lower Clarence.

Byron Bay and Tweed Seagulls are winless after playing two games, while Murwillumbah and Tweed Coast have each won a game.

Northern United lost its first game of the season 40-18 against an undefeated Kyogle Turkeys outfit.

Marist Brothers host Mullumbimby at Crozier Field, Lismore when the competition returns from the Easter Break on Sunday, April 27.

The clash between Bilambil and Tweed Seagulls shapes as the other match of the round at the Bilambil East Sports Fields.