Long-time Wallaby James O'Connor will make a surprise appearance from the bench for Brothers in Saturday's top-of-the-table clash in the Sumo Energy Hospital Cup.
O'Connor, 36, has appeared at training in recent weeks and is ready for a cameo against second-placed Norths in the clash at Crosby Park.
Those at the ground are in for an unexpected treat and it will also add eyeballs to the match coverage on Stan Sport and for the free-to-air coverage of match of the round.
O'Connor played his last game for Leicester Tigers in England in early June before giving his body a well-deserved rest after a non-stop 16 months.
He played 36 games in that time to win a Super Rugby Pacific title with the Crusaders, play seven Tests and take the field 13 times for Leicester Tigers. Some players nearly half his age didn't play anywhere near that volume of rugby.
Savvy Brothers officials had the 2024 premiership flyhalf registered as a Brothers player for this season so the versatile matchwinner is available for the finals in August.
O'Connor said he was eager to "have a trot" and help the club where holes might exist.
After the premiership high of 2024, O'Connor spelt out what Brothers meant to him
"This is special for me. It's my home, my junior club, and I've never experienced a grand final in the butcher's stripes before, ever," he said on field.
For leaders Brothers, the bonus is obvious with the countdown to the finals now on in earnest.
"It's great for club footy to have a player like James wanting to be involved," Brothers coach Ben McCormack said.
"He'll be on the bench and he could come on at flyhalf, centre or fullback depending on how the game pans out.
"He's said he wants to help out and when you lose a player like Dre Pakeho (hamstring) for the rest of the club season, it's great for the club."
Queensland Reds Tim Ryan, Vaiuta Latu and Charlie Brosnan will all be on deck for Brothers while sharp attacking weapon Will McCulloch will play for Norths.
Norths led Brothers 22-12 at half-time when the sides met in May before being bulldozed 48-30.
"Norths play some very good footy around transition and unstructured play as they did with their fast start that day," McCormack warned.
"We are definitely aware of the threats they pose. How good to have a local derby as the top-of-the-table clash."
Hooker Theo Fourie and prop Liam Fletcher will come off the bench for Brothers.
In other matches, Easts will have Ladies' Day at Bottomley Park to add atmosphere to the clash against Bond University.
Souths can only stay afloat in the finals race by upsetting Wests at Sci-Fleet Stadium. They will have all their Reds aces on deck with lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, centre Xavier Rubens, prop Trevor King and influential backrower John Bryant. Wests will have Massimo De Lutiis anchoring the scrum.
Sunnybank host GPS.
