Champion Family hit the heights again for Brothers Cairns!
It was 27 years ago in 1998 when Bobby Benioni arrived at Brothers Cairns. Since then, he has become a devoted club-man, life member and a highly valued member of the club. After playing in no fewer than 7 grand finals for the ‘fish eaters” – winning premierships in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2008, & 2009, Bobby was far from ready to hang up the boots – he has remained at the club as a popular and successful junior and senior grade coach – and is currently the U19’s assistant and sports trainer.
But Bobby’s contribution doesn’t end there! It’s a real family affair – and the latest Benioni to Graduate through the Brothers ranks, Taakoi made a very impressive debut in the A Grade victory at suburbs last weekend. The 18-year-old is also racking up an honourable record of service at the club having began his journey here in 2013 as an U6’s player and working his way through the grades before winning premierships with the clubs U14’s (2021) and U15’s in (2022). Taakoi has spent a bit of time away from the club as he proudly represented NQ Cowboys Bucks in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. His form and his attitude have seen him follow in his Dads footsteps and earn his A Grade Debut, Head of Football Tim Rumford explains – “ Taakoi has been superb since coming back from his stint in Townsville – he is a credit to his family and his family are a credit to this club. Bobby is the ultimate clubman, we are lucky to have him around. The family are true Rugby league people and Taakoi is the latest Benioni to put on an A – Grade jersey, our hope is that at 18 years old, this is only the start of his ongoing journey. We are confident Taakoi has the ability to progress in the game, should he choose that path. In the meantime it is great to have him in the butchers’ stripes.”
A – Grade Captain-coach Jordan Biondi- Odo added “There was no hesitation in selecting Taakoi in A – grade, he is one of several Brothers Juniors playing in our Senior Grades and we are very proud to be part of his ongoing development. His debut was positive and energetic – he was a handful at times, and he certainly has every chance of playing more A- Grade games this season. His direct running game and style of play fits in with how we like to play the game, we have every confidence in his ability. It was a pretty special moment seeing Bobby hand Taakoi his 1st A- Grade jersey and you can see how much Bobby and family love the club – the feeling is definitely mutual!”
Brothers take on Mossman this Sunday at the newly refurbished Stan Williams Park with the 19’s up first at 12noon!
