The season will wrap up this weekend, but Cairns Brothers are already looking well ahead having bolstered their squad with the signing of two Intrust Super Cup experienced players for 2020.
The signing of CQ Capras centre Luke George for the 2020 season follows less than a week after the club announced they had also secured Northern Pride play-maker Jordan Biondi-Odo.
George, who made 13 Intrust Super Cup appearances for CQ Capras this year, can also play in the back row.
He has played more than 100 Super League games in the United Kingdom for Bradford Bulls, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and Huddersfield Giants.
He debuted for the Northern Pride in 2015 and stayed with the club until 2016 before joining CQ Capras in 2017.
With a total of 76 Intrust Super Cup appearances under his belt, George will add both strike and experience to Cairns Brothers back line.
"I've had a good run in the Intrust Super Cup and it's maybe something I could have pursued for another season or two, but after I spoke with Paul Stevens (Brothers coach) and Tim Rumford (Brothers football manager), it was clear Brothers would be the obvious choice for me."
Rumford said they were keen to create a real good environment for players to develop and grow their game, and are looking to install some smart things into their programs to help players and the team achieve which really appealed to me.
"I'm also looking forward to getting involved with some of the young talent at the club and hope my experience can benefit those guys," rumford said.
"Luke ticks a lot of boxes for us in terms of his experience, ability and attitude."
Rumford said he has a lot to offer our group and is keen to give back by helping the young players which is great.
"George will add size and strength to our back line and is a superb role model for our younger guys."
After speaking with George, Rumford and Stevens were impressed as they shared a lot of common ground on the direction they wished to see the club heading in 2020.
"It will be hopefully be an exciting time to be at Brothers and Luke's playing attributes will lend themselves to the expansive style of rugby league that Stevens and his staff like to encourage."
Rumford had previously coached teams against George in his early days in the United Kingdom.
"He's always had a turn of pace and some flair about his game which we look forward to seeing at Stan Williams Park in 2020," Rumford said.
Biondi-Odo, who has 89 appearances behind him, will bring a wealth of experience to what has been a young Brothers A grade team in 2019.
Head coach Paul Stevens welcomed the addition of Biondi-Odo and said it was pleasing to add some experience to their group.
"Biondi-Odo has played in the team a handful of times this year and has displayed real leadership qualities," Stevens said.
"His influence on our younger guys will hopefully help them progress and develop, I have been really impressed with Jordan's attitude and game sense and can't wait to work with him next year."
Biondi-Odo played 19 times for the Northern Pride in 2019 season and was named in the QRL's team of the week for Round 15 in early July.
Stevens said to personally sign a player of Biondi-Odo 's calibre was an extremely exciting time for the club.
"His ability to direct a side around the field and his professionalism are second to none," Stevens said.
He said Biondi-Odo's attributes on and off-field are the types of players we wish to attract to the club, and not only is he a classy player but a quality person.
"I feel in our environment at Cairns Brothers fans will see some of his best football in 2020,” Stevens said.
Main image: Highly rated Northern Pride halfback Jordan Biondi-Odo has signed with Cairns Brothers club for season 2020. Photo: Maria Girgenti
