A TRADITION continues tomorrow when 18-year-old Mark Duggan dons the Number 7 jersey and runs on for the Wattles Warriors in his first-grade debut, joining elder brothers Dan, Tony and John as Wattles A-grade halfbacks.

A graduate of Wattles juniors nursery, Duggan enlisted in the Warriors under 18s in 2009 and this year was entrusted with the captaincy of the reserve grade.

Week in, week out impressive form has caught the eye of A-grade mentor Ken Riddiford and Duggan will assume the playmaker responsibility tomorrow.

He will be in the A-grade side to match up against premiership high flyers Brothers at Glenholme Park.

Wattles gathered silverware this season, including the prestigious Barrett Family Shield and Ragh Trophy after Southern Suburbs’ six year dominance.

Tomorrow the side would like to add the Danny Ryan Memorial Trophy to the cabinet for the first time but will need to get the better of Brothers on the Leprechauns’ emerald turf.

Coach Riddiford will look for a consistent defensive effort against Brothers. Wattles players have defended gallantly in spells of late but success will hinge on that defence holding for 80 minutes.

Having veteran three-quarter Russell McMillan back from injury is a bonus but classy, experienced back Tim Hentschel is absent, relocating overseas.

Another concern will be the absence of talented utility player Dean Cubby and representative halfback Jeff Neilson.

The halfback position will be vital to Wattles’ chances of rolling Brothers but Riddiford has full confidence in the gutsy never-say-die attitude Duggan will bring.

The youngster at times shows maturity beyond his years, as well as being a tireless defender.

Wattles halves Duggan and Rob Woodbridge will need to have their minds on the job opposing classy former Dalby Number 7 Marc Potter and 209-game NRL veteran and international Jason Smith.

The reserve-grade clash with Brothers will be the first for Wattles new coach Robbie McIntosh, appointed after the departure of Tony Francisco.

Wattles Reggies are on the money to bust into the top five during the next couple of weeks, with McIntosh confident he has the formula to keep the side focused.

Wattles U18s’ arsenal has strengthened with the addition of representative front-rower Carl Gale on a permanent basis. He joins fellow rep bookend Lee Lousick.

With Gale’s Clydesdales commitments complete, he can focus on Wattles’ challenges for the remainder of the season.

Matches at Glenholme Park kick off at 11.30am (U18), 1pm (reserve grade) and 2.30pm (first grade).