Brothers sign star forward Lachlan Kennedy after six month campaign

It took six months of phone calls but when Brothers signed Lachlan Kennedy late last year they knew they had a key piece of their premiership puzzle. We reveal why the star forward signed with the fallen TRL giant here.

Alongisde Lachlan Kennedy, Sam Betros (pictured) has been a key signing for Brothers this season. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Toowoomba rugby league identity John Butler should consider bounty hunting if he ever needs another job.

For nearly six months the Brothers president ‘tracked’ Lachlan Kennedy before capturing his man in November of last year.

“I reckon John called me nearly every week for about six months last year,” Kennedy, whose brother played for Sydney and Brisbane in the NRL, said.

“I grew up in the Northern Rivers area of New South Wales and went to school with on of (Brothers member) Gary Reen’s sons, that is how John knew me.

“He’d talk to me about Brothers, what was going on at the club and what he wanted to do to get them back to the glory days.

“It was really interesting listening to him and I admired his goals and passion.

“What he had to say, his plans for the club it really resonated with me.”

Butler signed the experienced prop his club needed late last year when Kennedy traded northern New South Wales for Ipswich.

“I moved to Ipswich last year for work and was keen to play footy,” Kennedy said.

“I had a look around for a club but realised it was only a short drive up the road to Toowoomba. I started training with them in November and moved up here (Toowoomba) about two weeks ago.

Unbeaten in their first five games of the Hutchinson Builders A-grade season Brothers face their first major test of the season – a home clash with defending premiers Gatton.

It’s a remarkable turnaround for the club who finished second from the bottom in 2024.

“We have a great coach and an amazing group of players,” Kennedy said.

“It’s pretty remarkable to be where we are right now.

“One thing that has impressed me is that we’ve not played at our best yet, there’s still plenty we can improve on but we’re getting the wins so far.

“Gatton is going to be a massive test for us though.

“They’re tough through the middle and have pace and size out wide.

“We’ve got belief though and I think the boys will be up for this.”