Brothers set to bag third title in a row

BROTHERS, who are six points ahead of the second-placed Harlequins, are set to retain the Capital Rugby Union title despite tomorrow’s final round of matches at Bava Park in Port Moresby.
Brothers will be looking to square the ledger when they face traditional rivals Harlelquins, who will be led by Desmond Korkop, with the match of the round scheduled to kick off at 3pm.
“The Harlies beat us 17-18 in the opening round so we have a score to settle with them,” Brothers coach Joe Kautu told The National last night.
“Our pack has been the key for us all season and Saturday’s match will be no different.
“I’ll be counting on Bomai Kaupa, Tony Sipa and Eugene Tokavai to get us on the front foot and create room for our backline to dominate the Harlequins.”
Kautu said he was thrilled about creating history in their third-straight title win, having defeated the Harlies in the last two grand finals.
“This (three-peat) is a first for us,” he said.
“We’ve worked so hard to get to where we are now.
“I just want to thank Kramer Ausenco for their support over the past 10 years.
“I’d also like to thank George Koi, Johnny Passingan and our minor sponsors for their support.
“We certainly couldn’t have done it without them.”
Kautu, who joined the club as coach in 2015, reached his first grand final in 2017 where they lost to University.
But he has since been on an upward trajectory with Brothers now the benchmark team in the competition. “It’s easier said than done but we’ve done it and we’d like to thank our families for their support over the years,” Kautu said.
“Although we have the title sealed, we’d like to get a win over the Harlies as it would be a fitting end to our campaign. And I’m confident that we will get the job done on Saturday.”
Fixture: Sat, Nov 14 — Juggernauts v Nova (9am), Wanderers v Crusaders (11am), University v Valley Hunters (1pm), Harlequins v Brothers (3pm).