Brothers’ Queensland Premier Rugby campaign might not have ended in a top grade title and while that was disappointing for outgoing coach Rod Seib, he found it impossible to label 2019 anything but a success.

After Brothers claimed the minor premiership University of Queensland denied them the title and robbed Seib of a fairy tale ending by winning the grand final 31-26, but all things considered it was still a massive for the powerhouse club.

It was the premier side’s first grade final appearance since 2016 and before that 2011, while they also qualified for all seven senior grades’ deciders and two more in colts as well, winning four titles.

A huge contingent of Brothers players were rewarded with higher honours too, something Seib focused heavily on before predicting big things for the club under Anthony Mathison, who returns to the club after three years away.

OVERVIEW WITH ROD SEIB

“All in all it was a fantastic year, but yes, it was definitely disappointing we couldn’t come away with a grand final win,” Seib conceded.

“In reflection I really did think we were the best team throughout the year though, and that was indicated by the minor premiership. That showed out consistency and reflected the effort, work ethic and the attitude of the playing group, which set them up for that success.

“When you get into the finals with things like Super players returning to the competition the dynamics can change, and year-to-year you do tend to see things happening in the finals that don’t necessarily reflect the entire season.

“It was fantastic seeing the club have so many teams in grand finals throughout the grades and in colts too, and I’m glad the team should be leading the club in the premier side was doing that.”

WHICH NON-CONTRACTED PLAYER DESERVES TO PLAY AT A HIGHER LEVEL?

“Honestly, I could probably rattle off 15 names of guys who could move on to big, big things,” Seib said.

“There’s a lot of guys playing in the NRC at the moment and I think most of the top grade playing group have been given a chance, which is a great reflection on them and the season they’ve had.

“Byron Ralston came out of colts this year and played either on the wing or at 13 and he’s moved off to the Force temporarily on a contract, but that might be for longer too.

“Then there’s Josh Flook, he made his way into first grade at the end of the season, he’s in the Queensland Academy and captained the Australian Schools and U18 team, I imagine he’ll move on to big things as well.”

WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN BETWEEN NOW AND ROUND ONE NEXT YEAR?

“I won’t be coaching at Brothers next year of course but the club culture is so good there and that tends to be the best recruiting tool so I can’t imagine any players will be leaving,” Seib said.

“There’s always guys that come along and add a little bit more depth, but the playing stocks are quite healthy, so I’d imagine in terms of planning for next year they’ll be preparing themselves for more success.”

BOLD PREDICTION FOR 2020?

“With that group and the culture they’ve got I’d expect them to go really well,” Seib said.

“It’ll be another great competition I think we can certainly expect that but being so close I’m not sure I could offer any bold predictions, but after going to the GF this year I’d definitely like to see Brothers get back there again.

“I don’t see any reason they can’t go on and take it out, it’ll be interesting to see what happens though.”