It will be more than just an interstate rivalry playing out in Narrabri this weekend as brothers Toby and Joe Brial put family bragging rights on the line at the Santos Festival of Rugby.
Toby will start in the back row for the NSW Waratahs U19 side on Sunday, after first watching older sibling Joe play for the Queensland Reds in Saturday’s Super Rugby AUS clash.
Toby has always looked up to his big brother and the rivalry on display this weekend dates back to their childhood.
“Joe is four years older than me, so he was a bit bigger back then,” Toby said.
“He probably won most of the backyard battles but I never backed down. He loved winding me up and I’d always give it a crack.
“My favourite part of Joe’s game is the way he carries the ball. He’s powerful and he tries to make an impact every time he runs. That’s something I look to incorporate into my game.”
While rugby naturally connects the brothers, distance has been a part of their story too.
Despite Joe playing club rugby in New Zealand and now being based in Brisbane, Toby said their bond has only strengthened in the last couple of years.
“When he moved to New Zealand after school, I didn’t see him much — that was around Covid (lockdowns) too,” Toby said.
“Now that he’s in Brisbane, he comes down to Sydney a lot more often and we’re spending more time together again.”
The time the boys get to spend together often includes training sessions that double as family catchups.
“He’s a great training partner. Around Christmas we get some sessions in, push each other hard, then just hang out,” Toby said.
The brothers’ father, Waratahs and Wallabies legend Michael Brial, grew up in Narrabri and will be supporting both his sons at Dangar Park this weekend.
“Dad never put any pressure on us to play rugby. He just wanted us to do our own thing, but when we ask, he gives us some really good gold nuggets. I think he’s really proud of both of us,” Toby said.
“A lot of my family are coming up to watch this weekend. Dad grew up around there and my grandparents are still nearby, so it’ll be special to reconnect with those roots.”
Looking ahead, Toby dreams of testing himself both alongside and against his older brother on bigger stages.
“Hopefully his career keeps going and one day I can play against him,” Toby said.
“But I’d also love the chance to play alongside him, whether that’s in club footy or something bigger. That would be pretty special.”
For now, Narrabri will provide the perfect setting for the latest chapter in a rivalry born in the Brial family backyard.
At Dangar Park, one brother in sky blue, the other in maroon, carrying on a proud family legacy in a regional NSW town their father once called home.
NSW Waratahs U19 Vs Queensland Reds U19
Where: Narrabri Rugby Club, Narrabri
When: Sunday, 21 September 2025
Kick-off: 1.00 pm (AEST)
The game will be broadcast LIVE and on demand via Stan Sport and the rugby.com.au YouTube channel
