After four losses and a draw from their last five matches, Past Brothers coach Andrew Hamilton admits they “need to win” when they host Easts Magpies in the last round of the Bundaberg Broadcasters A Grade Premiership on Saturday.
The reigning champions surrendered third place to Wests Panthers when they were beaten by them 34-8 last Saturday, but they can reclaim that position and a double-chance in the finals if they can beat the Magpies, and the Panthers are beaten by their hosts Wallaroos at Eskdale Park earlier in the afternoon at 4pm.
The Magpies, who have won just one match all year, will be playing for pride after being handed the wooden spoon following a 70-14 plucking by their hosts Hervey Bay Seagulls.
But after also being mauled by Brothers 58-12 in their only previous meeting in 2024 on June 15, it could be another tough day at the office for them.
Wests face a titanic battle against second-placed 'Roos last week, who also confirmed themselves as genuine contenders by beating minor premiers Waves Tigers for the second time this season 32-16, in front of their adoring home crowd on the weekend.
But Hamilton is not concerned whether his side winds up third or fourth on the ladder.
“To finish third, we need to win and for Wests to lose to Roos, and it will be tough for them in Maryborough, and if we come fourth, we come fourth and win a few in a row, and if we have our full side available, we can win a few in a row and I’m still confident we can do something in this competition," he said.
"We have been through a lean period, but I’m excited about what we can do this weekend."
Despite not having won for almost two months, Hamilton said they have not been playing badly.
“We lost Benaiah (Kambanei) to concussion fairly early against Wests, and that didn’t help – we had to reshuffle few things, and it was a better effort by a young team even though it was a fair margin at the end,” he said.
“Tommy Akers was really good and young (five-eighth) Zander Evans was strong, and he’s getting better each week.
“Benaiah is obviously out with concussion protocols this week, Jason Wardrop has an injured ankle, and Luke Stillinovich is unavailable – he works away and is only available every third week, but he is available for most semis when we get there - but Max Shorter and Corey Findlay are back this week and they are good ins for us, and being Old Boys Day, we obviously want to put on a good performance in front of ex-players.”
