By Liam Cook

An almost unrecognisable Brothers’ outfit claimed victory over Sunnybank at Biggs Field on Saturday.

Last season’s preliminary finalists downed the Dragons 46-28 in their first encounter of the season, in large part due to the contributions of fresh faces.

Squad turnover isn’t all that foreign a concept in Queensland Premier Rugby, but for a side that so narrowly missed out on a grand final appearance, the remixed line-up was a stark sight.

Overseeing the introduction of new recruits, coach Brendan Gabbett said Saturday’s contest was uniquely important.

“We had nine debutants for Brothers and a couple making their A grade debuts. All of them need to be congratulated, it’s a big thing for our club, playing premier grade,” Gabbett told Rugby News.

One of those club debutants was former Souths’ talent, Sebastian Hanna.

The dynamic outside back nabbed a casual five tries in his first premier grade stint for Brothers, picking up where his try scoring form left off at his old club.

“Bas Hanna getting five tries was certainly a big effort and he was in the right spot at the right time for a lot of them, but you have to put yourself in that position don’t you?” Gabbett said of his recruit.

While five tries goes down well, the head coach has been chiefly impressed by the off-field dedication shown by the recent signings.

Crosby Park has enjoyed the influx of “leadership qualities, youthfulness, and experience”, according to Gabbett.

“Everyone who we recruited has had a really big summer and everyone who took the field yesterday had earnt and deserved it.”

Armed with dynamic, new talent, the Brethren may have all the ingredients needed to get their hands on some silverware in 2023.