Newcastle Jets striker Ryan Griffiths - pictured in action against Melbourne Heart - is looking forward to going up against his brothers Joel and Adam at Sydney FC. Picture: Robert Mckell Source: The Daily Telegraph
YOU would think that six goals and four assists in a struggling team should guarantee Ryan Griffiths some headlines - but "as usual" it's one of his older brothers getting the attention simply for making his debut.
Ryan and Joel will lead the attacks of Newcastle and Sydney tomorrow, while Adam harbours quiet hopes of making his return from injury in Sydney's defence.
That would mark the first time since 2004 that all three siblings have played in the same competition, and the first ever in the A-League.
Ryan actually has the most Socceroos caps, but Joel has always attracted the glamour - not least for playing alongside Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba for the past year.
"One way or another he's always in the headlines," Ryan says of Sydney FC's new striker. "The media thrive on these things I guess, but it makes me laugh when I hear him talk as they are not always the most intelligent words that come out of his mouth.
"Most younger brothers would say the same. You get used to playing second fiddle, it's normal.
"But when I was younger I always strived to be like my elder brothers, tried to play up a grade and follow them. So it actually helped me and made me a better player."
It's only a fortnight until the three will - injuries permitting - tread the same field when the Jets host Sydney.
But rather more pressing for Ryan is the trip 70km south to face the Mariners tomorrow in what he calls the "original derby".
"You talk to any Novocastrian and they absolutely hate the Mariners," he said. "It's really good to have that and see the fans get fired up.
"Lots of Newcastle fans will make the trip down hopefully.
"We usually get a good following, more than make up the normal home crowd down there. It's superb for the competition to have three proper derbies now with lots of feeling, and it's a big challenge for us in football terms.
"The Mariners are very good at preying on mistakes and we've been trying to remedy any errors this week.
"Most of the goals we've conceded have come from mistakes, and we've done a lot of work on our composure on the ball."
And what happens in a fortnight, when the three Griffiths are on opposing sides?
"Surprisingly little," Ryan said. "We're too professional, the games are too serious and important.
"At Christmas when we beat Sydney I didn't give it to Adam. When we're on the pitch we're not really brothers, Adam is just another defender.
"But then again, if Joel crosses my path ... "
Newcastle striker Emile Heskey was yesterday passed fit after a hip-flexor injury and is expected to lead the Jets attack in the derby.
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