Granty
01-01-2010, 10:13 PM
http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2010/01/01/85635_local-sport-news.html
Cowboys gain Brothers' stars
Andrew Piva
Friday, January 1, 2010
© The Cairns Post
http://www.cairns.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2009/12/31/Cairns-WebUsual-CP01JAN10P000-CC182273-KEPA.JPG
Young gun: 2009 star player for Brothers Nathan Kepa
is off to join the Cowboys' under-20 squad.
PREMIERSHIP-winning Brothers coach Eric Smith says young guns Nathan Kepa and Daniel Beasley leave the Cairns District Rugby League club with its blessing after the duo was added to the Cowboys' under-20s squad.
Outside back Kepa and second-rower Beasley were two of the stars of Brothers 2009 campaign and both played in the club’s 30-18 grand final win over the Atherton Roosters.
Smith, who was named the CDRL coach of the year last season, said the teenagers deserved any future success.
"It’s disappointing to see them go because they were an important part of what we did this year but they go with our blessing," he said.
"It’s a well-deserved call-up for them.
"They don’t turn 18 until next year so they could be in the system for three years and will have a lot of opportunity."
Becoming an NRL player takes more than talent but Smith believes Kepa and Beasley also boast the work ethic needed to progress through the ranks.
"It’s part of the reason why they’ve been picked up," he said.
"You never know what can happen once you’re in the system but it’s their (the Cowboys’) job to develop them.
"Keps has got unbelievable speed. His footwork and acceleration is just unbelievable.
"Even in the under-20s I reckon he would be in the top two or three fastest in the team. Daniel is very tough in defence and has excellent timing when he tackles.
"When he came into first grade it was like he had been playing for five or six years."
Smith will return to coach Brothers next year and as well as Kepa and Beasley will also be without the talents of Steve Martin and Sean Huirama.
Brothers, however, have picked up winger Drew Campbell and Ivanhoes’ Billy Segeyaro.
The club starts preseason training on Tuesday
Cowboys gain Brothers' stars
Andrew Piva
Friday, January 1, 2010
© The Cairns Post
http://www.cairns.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2009/12/31/Cairns-WebUsual-CP01JAN10P000-CC182273-KEPA.JPG
Young gun: 2009 star player for Brothers Nathan Kepa
is off to join the Cowboys' under-20 squad.
PREMIERSHIP-winning Brothers coach Eric Smith says young guns Nathan Kepa and Daniel Beasley leave the Cairns District Rugby League club with its blessing after the duo was added to the Cowboys' under-20s squad.
Outside back Kepa and second-rower Beasley were two of the stars of Brothers 2009 campaign and both played in the club’s 30-18 grand final win over the Atherton Roosters.
Smith, who was named the CDRL coach of the year last season, said the teenagers deserved any future success.
"It’s disappointing to see them go because they were an important part of what we did this year but they go with our blessing," he said.
"It’s a well-deserved call-up for them.
"They don’t turn 18 until next year so they could be in the system for three years and will have a lot of opportunity."
Becoming an NRL player takes more than talent but Smith believes Kepa and Beasley also boast the work ethic needed to progress through the ranks.
"It’s part of the reason why they’ve been picked up," he said.
"You never know what can happen once you’re in the system but it’s their (the Cowboys’) job to develop them.
"Keps has got unbelievable speed. His footwork and acceleration is just unbelievable.
"Even in the under-20s I reckon he would be in the top two or three fastest in the team. Daniel is very tough in defence and has excellent timing when he tackles.
"When he came into first grade it was like he had been playing for five or six years."
Smith will return to coach Brothers next year and as well as Kepa and Beasley will also be without the talents of Steve Martin and Sean Huirama.
Brothers, however, have picked up winger Drew Campbell and Ivanhoes’ Billy Segeyaro.
The club starts preseason training on Tuesday