Past Brothers take on Hervey Bay Seagulls in round one 2023 BRL

Past Brothers’ coach Andrew Hamilton will not have to wait long to see how his side has progressed from last year’s defeat in the Bundaberg Rugby League grand final as they face a rematch with the Hervey Bay Seagulls in round one. Here are the players to watch:

22/03/2023 - Matt Craven has moved from Easts and Brothers coach Andrew Hamilton is expecting a big year from his new recruit. Picture: Brian Cassidy

Past Brothers’ coach Andrew Hamilton will not have to wait long to see how his side have progressed from last year’s defeat in the Bundaberg Rugby League grand final as they face a rematch with the Hervey Bay Seagulls in round one.

The grand final replay will take place at Salter Oval, Bundaberg, on Saturday, March 25, with Hamilton’s Brothers side looking to avenge the 34-14 loss in last season’s decider.

Both teams have lost players from the teams that battled it out in 2022, but Hamilton said those who are returning for the Brothers would be looking for a different result this time round.

"We were disappointing in that final last year, so the players who are coming back will be looking to rectify that this season," he said.

"This first game will see just where we are because although they have lost a few players, the Seagulls will be up there again this season.

"I think Across The Waves will be the team to beat this year. I know Waves have got some good players and they won the 9s carnival recently and have gone well in preseason.

"But our aim is to make the final again this time round and this time go on to win it."

Hamilton has picked five players from his team who he hopes will take his side to the BRL title.

22/03/2023 - Tyrell Priestley will one to watch for Past Brothers. Picture: supplied

Five players to watch

Tyrell Priestley

22/03/2023 - Tyrell Priestley is the new captain for Past Brothers. Picture: Paul Donaldson

"He’s our fullback and our new captain," Hamilton said.

"He is a good, strong, competitive player with good speed who takes the right options more often than not."

Bryden Blair

"Bryden is an 18-year-old halfback who is in his second season of senior football.

"He won our best back award last year in his first year in seniors and he has trained really well in the offseason.

"We are looking forward to seeing what his progression is this year."

Matt Craven

22/03/2023 - Matt Craven has moved from Easts and Brothers coach Andrew Hamilton is expecting a big year from his new recruit. Picture: Brian Cassidy

"Matt is a former three-time Bundaberg Rugby League player of the year.

"He’s moved across from Easts and is a strong back-rower. I am looking forward to his leadership in the group."

Max Shorter

"Max is new to our playing group but we know all about him because he was the player of the year in last season’s grand final playing for the Seagulls against us.

"He’s out suspended for a few weeks but we are looking forward to him coming into our side and making a big difference when he’s available."

Connor Jones

"Conno’s a centre who is very fast and aggressive in defence. It’s his second year at the club, so we are looking forward to see what improvements he has made from his first campaign with us."