IT can drive parents nuts at home but it turns out sibling rivalry has its uses on the football field. 

Cairns brothers Mitchell and Reece Grimes have both headed to Townsville this month to join the Cowboys under-20s system.
The teenagers have taken different paths to the NRL club. Mitchell, 18, completed his schooling in Cairns while 17-year-old Reece attended Brisbane's Wavell State High School for three years after taking up a Broncos scholarship. But now they're together again, the Grimes boys plan on pushing each other at the Cowboys to ensure they each reach their potential.
For Mitchell, who made the Australian schoolboys' merit side when he was 15, the prospect of being upstaged by his younger brother keeps him honest on the training paddock.
"It's good having family here because we can push each other along," the Kangaroos and Northern Pride junior said. "I don't want him to beat me. We got stuck straight into training as soon as we got here. They didn't take time to show us around or anything."
Reece is also enjoying the sessions under head coach Todd Wilson. A halfback or hooker, Reece is one of the youngest players in the under-20s squad but isn't letting that temper his 2013 ambitions.
"The coach has said that all positions are up for grabs next year and that no one is guaranteed a spot," Reece said. "So if I work really hard, you never know."
Mitchell also has his goals. "I want to make the team for round one next year," he said.

 

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