Southern Inland Rugby Union
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THE Phantoms have found some pace for their backline with a pair of English brothers signing on the for 2013 Southern Inland season.
Leeton has always had a strong forward pack, but has often lacked experience in the backs, with that problem solved by the addition of Luke and Ollie Cooke.
The pair has a hankering for fast-paced rugby and was looking for some warmer playing weather
"We were looking for something different, the games back home are different," Luke said.
"Everyone looks for the weather."
"We were keen to do a bit of travelling and this is not a bad place to start," Ollie said. "We were looking for a bit of sun."
The brothers have an extensive rugby background that has followed similar paths, including in the fast-paced sevens format that they prefer.
Ollie, 20, has played for Worcester County, Northern Midlands, Midlands, on the Elite sevens circuit and attended the Worcester Warriors Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) and Worcester Academy.
Luke, 23, played schools and club county rugby, North Midlands, Midlands, England Colleges, Warriors AASE and Elite sevens, then went to university in Wales and played for Welsh Universities and universities sevens.
Ollie plays five-eighth or fullback, while Luke is comfortable at halfback, fullback or on the wing.
The brothers have known Wagga City player and reigning Bill Castle Medallist Hamish Wrafter since they were kids and had heard about SIRU through him.
They were contacted by the Phantoms and were keen to come for a run.
Luke said they are still trying to fit in, having only been in the country two weeks.
"We are even seeing people in the street who are saying hello," he said. "You don't get that (back home).
"We are still getting to know everyone. It is a new place, a new environment and we are trying to adapt."
"We thought it would be nice to go back into the country," Ollie said. "It's a real friendly environment.
"We want to make a good contribution and get us up the ladder."
Phantoms president Bart Challacombe was impressed with his recruits' attitude, particulary coming from minus temperatures to Leeton's near 40-degree summer.
"The boys have settled in well to Leeton and are great guys who are keen to make an impact for the Phantoms," he said.
"We are happy to have players of their calibre wanting to join our club. Their addition along with the return of Dennis Feagai and some other new guys to the club should make our backline the strongest it has been in a couple of years.
"The team will continue to improve with the addition of the Luke and Ollie to our backline."