Northern United sign Brown

Northern United players run on to the Maclean Showground for the 2009 NRRRL grand final against Lower Clarence. A field goal was the difference between the teams.

RUGBY LEAGUE: What's the best way of getting over a grand final loss? Sign the player who caused it!

That’s what Northern United Rugby League Club has done for the upcoming NRRRL season by signing Grant Brown.

Brown kicked the winning field goal for Lower Clarence against Northern United at the Maclean Showground last year and club secretary Grantley Creighton believes the fullback will add a new dimension to the Dirawongs’ attack.

“He is a big bonus – a great attacking player and a good goal-kicker,” Creighton said.

Northern United have also signed Gary Roberts from Kyogle and attracted a few players from Evans Head.

After fielding only senior teams last season, the Dirawongs have expanded their club and this year are welcoming juniors for the first time.

“We have teams in each division (of Group One juniors) from Under-7s to Under-14s,” Creighton said.

“We will be sending out a call for coaches, but parents are welcome to volunteer and we will hopefully get a few senior players involved.”

Sponsored by The Koori Mail newspaper and Reed Construction, the home games for the young Dirawongs will be played at Crozier Field in Lismore.

Chris Binge will continue as the head coach of the senior NRRRL first-grade team, and most of the players from last year are still around.

A few have been lost to other competitions, notably the Queensland Cup.

The team, as well as the reserve grade and Under-18 sides, started training last month and are looking forward to trial games in coming weeks.