Southern Districts brothers Will and Josiah Farrer linked with rival NTFL club Palmerston

THE playing futures of the talented Farrer brothers deepened last night after Southern Districts president Joanne Burgess strongly denied suggestions they will be at Palmerston next season

Southern Districts’ Josiah Farrer has front position against the Darwin Buffaloes in the 2017-18 grand final. Picture: Keri Megelus

THE playing futures of the talented Farrer brothers deepened last night after Southern Districts president Joanne Burgess strongly denied suggestions both players will be wearing the black and white of Palmerston next season.

The loss of either player to the neighbouring Magpies would hurt perennial NTFL finalists Districts, who have new coach Matt Cannard at the helm.

Palmerston president Russell Davey did not return calls yesterday, adding to the deepening mystery on what colours the Farrers will be wearing in 2020-21.

Will Farrer is a premiership captain with the Crocodiles and a five-time Dennis Dunn trophy winner as the Premier League’s leading goalkicker.

His brother Josiah is one of best midfielders in the competition with his long sweeping runs and left foot kicking a feature of his game.

The “Farrers to Palmerston’’ rumour has been doing the rounds of the NTFL for at least two months and heated up again over the weekend with insiders saying the pair would be joining big marking utility Damian Williams and midfielder Pierce Liddle at the Magpies.

But Burgess said both Farrers were integral parts of her football club and were big factors in new coach Matt Cannard’s plans to get the Crocodiles back into the finals.

“There’s nothing in that at all,’’ Burgess said when asked about the Farrer brothers’ continued tenure at Fred’s Pass.

“Matty spoke to them when he was announced as coach and that (potential move to the Magpies) was definitely put to bed.

“Will’s been around for a while now and has won trophies and been a very good leader around our club where he’s done a great job as our club captain.

“And Jo is our best players and has been down at the club training strongly, so we’ve made sure we’ve fully secured both Farrers.’’

Burgess wished Williams and Liddle — who is returning to his former club — all the best in their future endeavours.

The Alwyn Davey coached Magpies have now secured former Buffaloes Chris Williams and Daniel Stafford and now Districts pair Damian Williams and Pierce Liddle in what are big additions to their playing list.

“A change is good for people in all sport, they can better themselves and challenge themselves in a whole new environment,’’ Burgess said on Williams and Liddle.

“Damian and Pierce have their reasons why they want to go to Palmerston, who are coming out of the woodwork and look like they are going to be very strong (flag) contenders.’’