Allora-Clifton Wattles looking ahead to grand final glory against Gatton and Highfields
The Warriors are just days away from battling it out in a decider that could lead them into a ‘historic’ win, with two coaches revealing their picks for the players to watch. Everything you need to know:
Warwick
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The Wattles Warriors are days away from the deciding game that will seal their fate for the premiership for both A-grade and reserve grade sides.
While the Warwick Cowboys have had their sides knocked out of the competition, the only chance of the premiership coming to the Southern Downs now lies with the Allora-Clifton club.
The Wattles haven’t played in a grand final since 2018 or won a TRL premiership since 2015.
Ahead of this weekend’s grand final clashes with Gatton and Highfields respectively, the A-grade and reserve grade coaches reflect on the season so far and the fight to come.
Wattles president Amanda O’Halloran says a grand final win would be “historic”.
“The last time we had an A-grade and reserve grade in the same grand final was 1979, but neither team won back then, so it would be history making if we managed to get two wins,” O’Halloran said.
“It would mean so much for the club. We’ve got a really big old boys supporter base and lots of families here have been involved with the club for a very long time, so it would be remarkable to see them go all the way.
“There’s a lot of excitement in the towns leading up the game. Businesses are getting behind the boys and decorating the window, it means a lot to the community.”
A-grade
Wattles A-grade coach Travis Burns is keen yet wary ahead of the grand final clash with Gatton, saying it’s been a big effort to get there.
“It’s a massive achievement for the club, lots of fans from the community are expected to come and support which will be great,” Burns said.
“These opportunities don’t come along often, so we’ve got the chance to do something special.
“Gatton are a hard to beat side but we’re going to enjoy it regardless.”
TRAVIS BURNS’S PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Jackson Green
Position: fullback
Green is a go-to player for the Wattles side. He’s won player of the year in the past and is crucial to getting the set started, with Burns saying he is expected to play well for the side in the finals.
Matt Duggan
Position: halfback
Playing in the back as a lethal halfback, he’s received TRL player of the season three times and is a two-time grand final winner with the club.
Nick Van Der Poel
Position: right centre
Van Der Poel is a solid and reliable player for the side, boasting impressive defence and attack, and is versatile with the ball. He is a great defender in the right centre and is crucial for the wide attack.
Reserve Grade
The reserve grade side has had exceptional form this season, most recently winning their semi final clash with Gatton in a bitterly close 20-18 match.
Wattles reserve grade coach Garth Lonergan says breaking the drought and winning the premiership would be huge for the side.
“A lot of the boys have come through the juniors and have played their whole life with the club, so it’s huge for them,” Lonergan said.
“Thirty years ago they made a grand final in ‘91 and lost, but made it again and won in ‘92, hopefully we can repeat that sort of trajectory and get up.
“Some of the boys that will play in the grand final had their dads play in the last grand final, so it would be pretty special for them and the community.”
COACH LONERGAN’S PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Tom Morris
Position: halfback
Morris received TRL player of the year for reserve grade this year, as well as halfback he’s also the goal kicker and will no doubt be important at the weekend.
Joe Morris
Position: five-eighth
Coach Lonergan says Morris is having his best year since being at the club and is really dangerous with the ball in hand. No doubt he’ll set-up some formidable plays.
Mitch Duff
Position: front row
Duff played in the last A-grade grand final. He’s a from front rower and has a lot of power to push forward.
Aaron Schied
Position: front row
An integral part of the past two A-grade grand finals, Schied has come out of retirement this year. He has been consistently dominant, and Lonergan says the reserves will be relying heavily on his experience and guidance.
Lachlan Henry
Position: outside back
Henry secured the win for the reserves in the semis, scoring a critical late game try for the warriors. Lonergan says Henry can cover most positions and has strong ball carrying and defence skills, which will be crucial for the Warriors to get the win in the finals.
The reserve grade side will face off against Highfields at Toowoomba on Sunday at Clive Berghofer Stadium.
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