Ipswich football side links superbly in incredible finals onslaught

His feat was among eight Brothers players to score in the 66-10 demolition job that ended Norths gallant Rugby League Ipswich A-Grade season. See why everyone was stunned.

IN what was one of Brothers most commanding performances in a decade, powerhouse Fijian Jone Macilai stood tall.

With his towering 190cm, 110 plus kg frame, the Brothers recruit shared in a stunning 11 try onslaught that propelled the perennial finalists towards another shot at premiership glory.

His double was among eight Brothers players to score in the 66-10 demolition job that ended Norths gallant Rugby League Ipswich A-Grade season.

With a smile to match his powerful performance, Macilai was eager to spread the success across his team having recovered from a muscle injury.

“It’s good to be back and I’m proud of the boys so all credit to the boys,’’ Macilai said.

“We lost a couple of games but today we picked up the teamwork.

Brothers A-Grade rugby league player Jone Macilai had every reason to be delighted sharing in his team’s stunning semi-final victory. Picture: Bruce Clayton

Aged 37, Macilai is nearing the end of his rugby league career having also had a background in rugby union.

However, the formidable forward will delay even thinking about retiring until he sees how Brothers fare in coming weeks.

“I tried to keep my fitness up,’’ Macilai said, being among the players who had an enforced month break due to the recent Covid community sport lockdown.

“I grew up playing rugby union but then in 2007, I switched to rugby league so it’s good.

“It’s in my blood now.

“I’m still going strong. I enjoy it every time the opportunity comes.’’

After such a massive knockout semi-final victory, Macilai has an added reason to help Brothers reach another grand final by winning the preliminary final in a fortnight.

That game will be against either competition leaders Swifts or the dangerous Jets who line up in next week’s qualifying final, also at the North Ipswich Reserve.

Having watched his team produce some champagne football, Brothers coach Jason Connors was thrilled to see the spirited Macilai enjoy a memorable victory with his teammates.

“He is very good for a big man,’’ Connors said.

But just as important as the individual performances were how Brothers functioned as a team from the opening minutes of Sunday’s game.

The club stalwart has seen plenty of inspired Brothers efforts since 2010, rating premierships highly.

However, he said the latest display was up with the best in his career at the Ipswich club.

“It’s hard to say with different playing groups,’’ Connors said. “But as a playing group I’ve been involved with, I guess it was the best team performance collectively.

“Everyone did their job from number 17 to number one. So when the bench came on, they did their job and they kept the momentum.’’

Connors was especially encouraged how his team turned on such a polished effort after the enforced break from competition.

“Who would have thought that they would come back and put a performance like that in?’’ he said.

Brothers other dual try scorers were the ever-threatening Wes Conlon and consistent centre Loia Fetaoai.

Conlon set up the win with the first two tries including one which came after regaining possession from a 40-20 kick.

Fetaoai was also lethal in attack, scoring the third and ninth four-pointers.

Tyrese Ratahi, Josh McCarroll, Ricco Falaniko, Randy Mam-Gibuma and Jacob Cordz joined the try fest.

McCarroll also nailed 10 of his 12 conversion attempts and added a penalty goal to his impressive day’s work.

Falaniko offered a contender for try of the year after smashing through the Tigers defence and running over the top of every Norths player as he dashed to the line.

“He’s going to go on to bigger and better things next year,’’ Connors said.

“I think he will play Cup at Jets next year and that’s the plan for him I reckon.’’

The brilliant runaway try came in a match with many highlights.

“I’m very happy,’’ Connors said.

“The tries came from everywhere and every part of the football field, which is pleasing.‘’

Satisfied Brothers coach Jason Connors.

After leading 38-10 at halftime, Brothers showed no mercy, still looking for bonus points in the final few minutes.

Norths had no answers, even launching their short kick-offs into touch under the weight of Brothers pressure.

“We had 18 from 19 completion rates, momentum we held, we held their momentum and we just seemed to get away, which is fantastic,’’ the Brothers coach said.

“We linked as a team.

“We have got Wes (Conlon) and Willie (Oloitoa) that are not natural halves but they communicate.

“They bring the other guys around them . . . and that’s exactly what they did.

“The outside backs, from their talking and go-forward, they come in and score points for us.’’