Four Brothers Bulldogs players feature in defeat of Melbourne Storm U17s

Four Brothers Bulldogs stars of tomorrow not only took on one of the NRL’s best academies, but came out on top. Go inside the rare opportunity and how they seized it.

Mackay's Flynn Battaia, Declan Grady, Cooper Deguara and Isaiah Wilson all featured for the Queensland Brothers U17s. Picture: Mackay Brothers Football Club Facebook.

Four Mackay rugby league stars of tomorrow not only took on one of the NRL’s best academies, but came out on top.

Brothers Bulldogs quartet Flynn Battaia, Declan Grady, Cooper Deguara and Isaiah Wilson were afforded the opportunity to represent a Queensland Brothers U17 side that travelled to Melbourne to tackles the coveted Storm U17s.

“It was awesome it was a great experience to play against a high-level team,” reflected Battaia on the special trip.

“We got to go through the whole Storm complex... seeing all their recovery and the gym and the field, everything they do is professional.

“It was awesome.”

The Queensland Brothers U17 side’s trip to Melbourne. Picture: Supplied.

Naturally a half, Battaia was made to play out of the position in the centres but excelled, crossing for a try in each of the two games, with the combined Brothers side coming out on top in both.

“It was pretty awesome to score against such a good team,” he said.

He also reflected on the new challenge of coming up against a “really big” Storm outfit, but cited how impressively the Brothers side performed given most of the team didn't know each other and they’d only had one session together in the lead-up.

The Queensland Brothers U17 side in Melbourne. Picture: Supplied.

“It was really good to play with boys from different places and to meet new people,” he added.

Grady also performed well in the second row, crossing for a try, while Deguara was strong at hooker and likewise Wilson in the forward pack.

A similar Brothers side took on the Titans in September, but didn’t come out on top that day.

Battaia revealed the experience had taught him to make the most of opportunities.

“You don’t always get that experience, you just have to play your best,” he said.