LIKE many clubs, Brothers’ pre-Christmas rugby league preparations were hampered by the stormy weather.

The A Grade, Reserve Grade, C Grade and women’s sides only got three of seven planned sessions training together due to the rain.

However, head coach Josh Leisemann said the defending men’s premiers in three grades were ready to “ramp it up” after the Christmas break.

“At the moment, we all kind of train together and we have a real focus on club culture these first few weeks,” Leisemann said.

“The boys and ladies are all training together. Club culture is something that is important to us.”

In his third season as head coach, the former A-Grade player said a top 40 squad would be selected in early February for the 2025 Rugby League Ipswich A-Grade season.

“These first four weeks is a good little platform for everyone to get to know each other,” he said.

“The new players get to impress, hoping they get selected in that top 40 squad.”

Photo: LYLE RADFORD

Leisemann (pictured) is happy to be working twice a week with a professional group of coaches including his new assistant Elijah Umu.

Steve O’Connell returns as Reserve Grade coach having guided Brothers to back-to-back grand finals last year.

His assistant Brock McNulty replaces Darryll Squires who is taking a break.

Brothers’ coaching stability is also highlighted in C Grade where player Jordan Oldfield and Des Beckett have formed a winning combination in recent seasons.

Sean Tou has been re-appointed coach of the Brothers’ women’s side which secured the SE Women’s Community South competition minor premiership last year.

“We’re very fortunate we’ve got good coaches and good committees,” he said.

“I’ve learnt a lot over the past two seasons.”

Leisemann was confident long-time clubman Anthony Fowler would give the players an edge from his strength and conditioning sessions.

“We’re looking forward to seeing what his experience in that arena can bring,” Leisemann said.

“Fitness is really high on my priority list as a coach. You’ve got to be fit to play successful rugby league.

“I’m sure the boys will appreciate the variety.”

Leisemann was unconcerned about the later start to the season – expected to be the last weekend in April.

“We have a longer pre-season to get stuck into things . . . everyone is in the same boat,” he said.

The experienced footballer was more focused on having fewer byes in this year’s six-team A-Grade competition.

Apart from breaks for the Ipswich Cup, Magic Round and some representative games, Leisemann expected his players to be given a better chance to build momentum.

At the start of last season, Brothers had only one game in five weeks due to Easter and other draw issues under a seven-team format.

Leisemann has heard how some of the other clubs are going.

“The Jets will probably have a very strong side again. They’ve recruited quite well,” he said.

“But I’m not too worried about them. We’ll worry about our backyard.

“We get that right, we should be okay.” 

Leisemann said Brothers had retained about 70 percent of last year’s successful grand final combination.

Brothers have lost speedster Taj Hinton, Player of the Year Deijion Leugaimafa and retiring duo Matt Bell and Shane Gibson.

However, Leisemann was pleased to have secured “quality playmaker” - former Toowoomba and Jets half Andrew Richardson, along with dependable campaigners like Lachlan Vellacott.

“The young boys [like Zane Kaatz, Regan Payne and Dan Nolan] are all back for another year,” he said.

The head coach was yet to appoint a captain, waiting to see who puts their hand up for the leadership role.

Brothers are planning a pre-season camp and trials against Dalby and Fassifern in the lead-up to the new season.