Stories will be told and memories relived as Cairns Brothers 2009 A Grade premiership team reunite this weekend to celebrate 10 years since their epic 30-18 win in the CDRL grand final against Atherton Roosters led by Todd Carney.
The winning team was made up: Ben Fitzpatrick; Freddy Fauid, Nick Obodin; Nick Saveka; Matty Larkin; Nathan Kepa; Eric Smith (captain / coach); Kahu Wehi; Neals Biehler; Bobby Benioni; Ben Kerr; Robbie Swain; Daniel Beasley; Dane Kepa; Troy Nowlan; Sean Huirama and Steven Martin.
At halftime, Cairns were leading Atherton by six and the game was set for an exciting finish.
Fitzpatrick scored a double in the game while Fauid, Kepa and Kerr chipped in with one try apiece.
The captain Smith had 100% accuracy with the boot, slotting all five conversions which no doubt proved a big difference between the two sides at the full time siren.
It was decided the reunion would take place on May 11-12 as this was the only weekend former coach / captain Smith, now head coach of Sunshine Coast Falcons who are currently leading the Intrust Super Cup competition could take time out from his team duties.
Smith is hoping to arrive in Cairns today (May 9) and be able to attend this evening's Brothers training session at Stan Williams Park with his good friend, former team mate and current Cairns Brothers A grade assistant coach Fitzpatrick.
Several members of the winning team who are now living away from the region are hoping to attend and join in celebration with fellow team mates still living in Cairns.
The team are planning to take part in a golfing session on Friday, followed by a team bonding session at Brothers Leagues Club in Cairns on Saturday afternoon.
A number of former players have gone on to carve successful careers in the game including Smith and Beasley, who played in the Cairns Brothers junior ranks and went on to captain Townsville Blackhawks and also play overseas.
Smith played for Cairns Brothers under Brad Arthur and when Arthur left for Melbourne as their Under 20s coach, Smith was appointed coach for 2009.
He continued coaching for several more years and led Cairns to two consecutive premierships in 2011 and 2012 before moving on.
Fitzpatrick retired last year after a long and distinguished playing career with Brothers and is currently the Assistant A Grade coach under the direction of coach Paul Stevens.
Long term stalwart Swain previously played for Mareeba and Innisfail before joining Cairns under the direction of Arthur and then went on to have a have success with the club as player and coach for many years.
Benioni had a long and successful career with Cairns since the time he joined the club has a young man from Sydney having started in juniors Under 14s team.
Nowlan who played in junior and senior ranks for Cairns Brothers for many years is currently coaching the Cairns Reserve Grade side.
Huirama, who was part of Cairns Brothers playing ranks for several years, is now involved in coaching duties with Innisfail.
On Sunday afternoon, team members will then attend the CDRL game between Cairns and Edmonton at Peterson Park, Edmonton and more team bonding that evening for those who don't have to travel home straight away.
