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Brodie’s keen to make a name for himself

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The Linnane surname is synonymous with the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs.

And, another member of the clan, Brodie, hopes to follow in the successful footsteps of those before him.

His father and ex-president Danny, uncle – and former St George halfback – Steve and cousin Jason are part of Kurri Kurri folklore.

The trio starred in the Bulldogs’ historic premiership hat-trick, from 1993 to 1995, in the Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL) competition.

For good measure, Brodie’s younger brother Jye is also attracting plenty of attention as a member of the Knights’ Harold Matthews Cup side.

However, the talented teenager himself admits he’s happy to stay in the background, instead focusing on his own “local” goals.

“My long-term ambition is to play at Kurri Kurri for the rest of my career,” the 19-year-old said.

“It’s that simple.

“I’m not really keen to aim higher – I’d be glad to be a one-club player.

“I would love to play 100 games, gain Life Membership or something like that.

“It’s pretty cool my family has a strong connection with the Bulldogs; I’ve come through the junior ranks as well, from the under-6s.

“So, Kurri Kurri means a lot to me.

“Dad’s still coaching the under-17s, too.”

The rangy second-rower/centre made his first grade debut for the Bulldogs in 2021, playing the final 10-15 minutes off the bench in the side’s 18-4 loss to the Macquarie Scorpions.

He also tackled the Lakes United Seagulls.

But, Brodie’s determined to add to that two-match tally this season.

“It was good to gain a bit of experience from those games,” he said.

“I really enjoyed it.

“It was a step above anything I’d played before.

“However, it’s made me hungry to play first grade footy.

“Now, I’m hoping to get a few more senior matches under my belt.

“I want to train hard, improve my fitness and impress Aaron (coach).”

Brodie said the presence of last year’s captain-coach Mitch Cullen, who is running around again in Kurri Kurri colours, was also a positive for the young Bulldogs.

“Having someone like Mitch around the club helps a lot,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“He’s played reps and done heaps in the game.

“It’s good to get tips and pointers off him.

“And, although I didn’t play any matches with Mitch in 2021, all the boys look up to him.”

Even though Kurri Kurri missed the play-offs in a COVID-affected season, Brodie is predicting a change of fortunes in 2022.

“I’m looking forward to a big year,” he said.

“We’re starting to get a good turnout here [at training].

“So, hopefully, we’ll do better than 2021 – and be competitive in each grade.

“Last season we struggled for numbers, which affected every side.

“But, in 2022, we are looking a lot better than we have been for some while.”

Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League

Kurri Kurri Bulldogs 2022 draw

  • Round one (Saturday 26 March): v Lakes United Seagulls (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)
  • Round two (Saturday 2 April): v Macquarie Scorpions (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)
  • Round three (Sunday 10 April): v Western Suburbs Rosellas (Harker Oval)
  • Round four (Saturday 16 April): v Cessnock Goannas (Baddeley Park, Cessnock Sports Ground)
  • Round five (Saturday 23 April): v The Entrance Tigers (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)
  • Round six (Saturday 30 April): v South Newcastle Lions (Townson Oval)
  • Round seven (Saturday 7 May): v Maitland Pickers (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)
  • Round eight (Sunday 22 May): v Central Newcastle Butcher Boys (St John Oval)
  • Round nine (Saturday 28 May): v Wyong Roos (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)
  • Round 10 (Saturday 4 June): v Lakes United Seagulls (Cahill Oval)
  • Round 11 (Saturday 11 June): v Macquarie Scorpions (Lyall Peacock Field)
  • Round 12 (Saturday 19 June): v Western Suburbs Rosellas (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)
  • Round 13 (Saturday 25 June): v Cessnock Goannas (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)
  • Round 14 (Sunday 3 July): v The Entrance Tigers (EDSACC Oval North)
  • Round 15 (Saturday 9 July): v South Newcastle Lions (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)
  • Round 16 (Saturday 16 July): v Maitland Pickers (Maitland No 1 Sportsground)
  • Round 17 (Saturday 30 July): v Central Newcastle Butcher Boys (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)
  • Round 18 (Saturday 6 August): v Wyong Roos (Morry Breen Oval)

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