Rocky Brothers extend their domination in battle for Paul Iles Memorial Shield

The Brethren held firm against a gallant Norths to again claim the Paul Iles Memorial Shield. Victorious coach Damien Seibold analyses the win.

Rockhampton Brothers claimed the Paul Iles Memorial Shield with a 22-18 win over Norths at Victoria Park on Sunday. Photo: Pam McKay

Rockhampton Brothers have continued their domination of Norths in a special rivalry born from the tragic death of a prodigious football talent.

Since 2008, the clubs’ A-grade men have played for the Paul Iles Memorial Shield.

The prized trophy was named after the talented five-eighth who played for both clubs during his career.

An underage Queensland representative, he made his sole appearance for the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL in 1991 alongside Allan Langer, Steve Renouf and Gene Miles.

Former Brothers, Brisbane Broncos and Australian Indigenous team playmaker Paul Iles, who died in 1998.

Tragically, Iles died in 1998, aged just 28.

Brothers A-grade coach Damien Seibold remembers as a teenager watching Iles in full flight.

“He was a freak, one of the most skilful players I’ve ever seen,” he declared after his team hoisted the shield following their hard-fought 22-18 win on Sunday.

Brothers have now won all bar two of the annual contests, something about which Seibold and club members are understandably proud.

He did admit, though, that his team did it the hard way on Sunday.

“We defended our way to a victory,” he said.

Brothers’ defence was a feature of Sunday’s win. Photo: Pam McKay

“They’re tough, Norths. They keep turning up and always find a way to stay in it.

“They controlled the ball really well in the first half and we didn’t have an opportunity to start an attacking set until the 38th minute.”

Brothers managed to capitalise then, with Caleb Tull crossing just before half-time to level the score at 6-all.

After imploring his players to “switch on” and be more disciplined during the break, Seibold said the momentum started to turn in Brothers favour in the second half.

Five-eighth Jack White was rewarded for his tireless defensive effort with the team’s second try, before front rower Roarke Christensen and winger Anthon Ngunz also crossed.

Brothers’ centres Cane Comiskey and Ethan Boswood, in just his second game back from a serious ankle injury, also impressed.

Brothers scored four tries to three in the hard-fought victory. Photo: Pam McKay

Seibold said that even when Norths’ hooker Jackson Harris scored to close the gap to four points with six minutes to go, he was confident his team could hold them out.

Brothers are now sitting second on the competition ladder, four points behind frontrunners Emu Park.

“I’m happy with how we’re going but there’s improvement in us,” Seibold said.

“Our defence has been really good and I can see the improvement with our attack,” he said.

“Even when things are a little bit clunky, the commitment everyone is showing is top notch.

“We’re heading in the right direction.”