Braithan Ketchell trusted to lead Tully Tigers to CDRL finals

Tully Tigers’ hopes of making the Cairns District Rugby League finals could be on the shoulders of a Cowboys-contracted talent who qualified for A-grade just a week ago.

TULLY Tigers’ hopes of making the Cairns District Rugby League finals could be on the shoulders of a Cowboys-contracted talent who qualified for A-grade just a week ago.

Braithan Ketchell played his first A-grade game in the 30-12 loss to Atherton on the day of his 17th birthday, and the early indication is he will hold on to the No. 6 jersey he wore on that day for the rest of the season.

“We were pretty fortunate, with ref numbers as they were we had to play on Sunday - and that’s when he qualified,” said Tully’s football manager and halfback Colin Wilkie. “If we played Saturday he wouldn’t have been eligible.”

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It has always been a case of when, not if, Ketchell would play A-grade in the CDRL.

Braithan Ketchell. Picture: Brendan Radke

“We’ve known for a long time he’s an A-grader, he just had to become eligible (for selection),” Wilkie said.

“He more than held his own against Atherton, who are a quality team. He’ll play six for us for the rest of the year.”

He’s been on the Cowboys’ radar for years, and is currently tied to the club on a four-year deal.

The only surprise is the number on the back of his jersey, with Ketchell playing a crucial playmaking position - which he will likely play for the rest of the season.

A back-rower by trade, Wilkie said the experience play five-eighth, in A-grade no less, would only help further develop his skills and add more weapons to his arsenal as he chases the dream of playing in the NRL.

Wilkie compared Ketchell to Parramatta and Blues gun Ryan Matterson, who came through juniors as a five-eighth before finding a home in the back row.

“He’s an edge back-rower, but playing in the halves will be really good for his development because it will force him to develop those ball-playing skills and vision,” Wilkie said.

“He’s a jack of all trades.

“Knowing where to pass and where he needs his players will make his role in the back row easier. He’ll have a better understanding of where he needs to be.”

Braithan Ketchell played for Northern Pride’s under-18s. Picture: Brendan Radke

He not only stepped up against the league-leading Roosters but showed he belonged in the top grade with a solid first outing, and he will face another test in Saturday’s crucial clash with Southern Suburbs.

Both teams are locked on six points, six points behind the finals contenders, making a win crucial for both side’s finals hopes.

They will face off twice in two weeks due to Saturday’s fixture being a catch-up game for their washed out game in round 4.

They are the only men’s games this weekend, with the Tablelands facing Edmonton in the women’s league.

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Originally published as Braithan Ketchell trusted to lead Tully Tigers to CDRL finals