"Old dog" and "washed up" are just two of the terms of endearment from teammates that have kept Josh Fletcher returning to his long-time club Teachers West in Townsville.
Both are delivered playfully because the former Queensland Country captain is the most influential figure in Townsville & District Rugby Union.
He has the potential to be again in Saturday's grand final at Mike Carney Toyota Park when Brothers know they have to corral the goalkicking fullback ... or else.
Brothers have felt his sting twice in the most recent matches between the clubs. In July, he converted the Patrick Brennan try after the buzzer to get Teachers West home 34-33.
In the recent major semi-final, Fletcher crossed for two tries and potted the penalty goal on full-time to pinch a 31-30 cliffhanger.
Rival wingers Hamish Cassady and Sam Warner, a pacy weapon with tries galore in last weekend's preliminary final, show how big the Brothers' threat can be.
"Both those games came down to the last play, literally, so hopefully we haven't used up all our luck," Fletcher said.
"You'd have to say we are in for a tight one. Brothers have set the standard for a long time in Townsville so we are all looking forward to the grand final."
Originally from a cattle station between Tambo and Blackall, Fletcher is typical of so many country rugby players. They discover the game at boarding school and the passion to keep playing burns on and on.
Fletcher, 30, already has six premierships (2015-19 and 2021) in his kit bag and hinted this might be his last shot.
"To be honest, it's the club I keep coming back for. It's a real community club and I just like being around the boys,"" Fletcher said.
"It's a bit cliched but it's not. You form relationships with people and we all still like to compete. We take time out of the week to train and we all deal with some sort of adversity at particular times.
"You earn each other's respect. Add up all those things and you enjoy having that beer together."
Long-time teammates like centre Tom Wells are high performers while backrower Seteo Viliame and lock Isikeli Dau have added Fijian flair on the field and bought into the club's community vibes.
"The young blokes throw 'old dog', 'washed up' and a lot of profanities my way but all in good fun," Fletcher said with a laugh.
"This is probably my last game. There are not many limbs that have gone unhurt and there are work demands."
The risk and compliance consultant did give a professional risk assessment on the likelihood of the Teachers West boys having a big night if they did win the grand final.
"I think I'd list that as a "catastrophic risk' so yes," Fletcher said with a laugh.
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The Maroochydore Swans are hosting the USC Barbarians in the grand final of the Sunshine Coast Rugby Union competition at Maroochydore on Saturday.
It's a huge day for the Swans as they chase their first premiership since 2013 at their home ground.
No.8 Sean Farrell, the former Queensland Reds squad forward, has been a huge pick-up this year to play beside his former Souths (Brisbane) teammate Tye James, at fullback.
Farrell's explosive go-forward makes a big difference, especially within the strong team mentality that coaches Nick Foley and Nigel Grevett have forged this season.
