Cotter brothers share a name, team and NRL goal

The last time Malik and Reuben Cotter took the field together was with the Sarina Crocodiles U18s.

Malik Cotter will play alongside brother Reuben for the first time as Mackay Cutters teammates today.

THE LAST time Malik and Reuben Cotter took the field together was with the Sarina Crocodiles U18s.

Today the two brothers will link for the second time on a bigger rugby league stage.

Mackay Cutters coach Michael Crawley has named Reuben at lock and Malik on the bench for today’s trial against the CQ Capras in Rockhampton.

Reuben, 21, is coming off an emphatic two-try performance for the Cowboys in last weekend’s trial against the Broncos; Malik, 23, impressed in limited minutes in the Cutters’ hitout with the Blackhawks in Bowen earlier this month.

The younger Cotter has his sights firmly set on adding to his five Cowboys caps from last season while for Malik, who only returned to the game this year after extended time off, a starting place with the Cutters is the short-term goal.

Reuben Cotter put in a match-winning performance in the Cowboys’ 18-16 trial win over the Broncos last weekend. Picture: Stewart McLean

“I’m feeling good. The fitter I get the more keen I am to play,” Malik said.

“There’s been some tough days – real tough – but on those days when you’re really worn out you just have to talk yourself through it.’

The two brothers share a similar goal – NRL football.

“The goal is to play as much Cup as I can this season … the end goal is to get something out of this,” Malik said.

Both will have individual reasons to impress at Browne Park today but even with selection at stake, Malik was able to appreciate the unique opportunity of playing alongside his brother.

“I’m keen. I’m really excited and I know (Reuben is) keen to play in the same team together again,” Malik said.

“My Mum and Nan are heading down as well – they’re even more keen.”

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