Biggest talking points from round 16 of TRL as Dalby cruise to victory, Tigers dominate and grudge match awaits

There were several scintillating clashes from round 16 of Toowoomba Rugby League. We run the rule over all the biggest talking points from the weekend’s action.

Chris Woodbridge starred for the Dalby Diehards in their emphatic win on the weekend. Picture: Andrea Francolini

It is hard to believe that the end of the Toowoomba Rugby League season is already on the horizon with just two weeks left before finals.

However, there is still plenty to play for with teams jostling for finals seeding and eyeing off late comebacks into the post-season.

After an exciting weekend of league on the Darling Downs, we reveal the biggest talking points from round 16.

Gatton Hawks celebrate after their 2023 Madsen Rasmussen Cup win.

Madsen-Rasmussen Cup up for grabs

With the Madsen-Rasmussen Cup now awarded to the minor premiers this season, there is an extra level of spice ahead of the upcoming game this weekend.

Both Warwick and Gatton have sealed a top-two finish with two games to spare, after Warwick claimed an impressive 46-26 win over Wattles, while the Hawks defeated the in-form Valleys in style to the tune of 36-18.

After 16 games, the Cowboys hold just a one-point lead at the top of the table and will face Gatton at Father Ranger Oval this Sunday.

If Warwick can come away with a win against Gatton, it will seal the minor premiership with a game in hand.

However, if the Hawks can come away with a victory, then fate will be in their hands headed into the final round.

Young Tigers on the prowl

Only one word comes to mind when seeing the final score between the Southern Suburbs and Pittsworth under-19 sides – “wow”.

The Tigers were a class above as they ran away with a stunning 90-6 win in front of their home faithful.

An amazing 16 tries were scored by Souths with Ronan Delaney leading the way with a hat-trick.

Warwick Reserves’ historic run continues

While their A-grade counterparts suffered their first defeat of the season last week, the Cowboys Reserves have continued their run towards a potential perfect season.

Warwick claimed a 38-18 win over Wattles on Saturday and now needs just two more wins to end the regular season with a perfect record of 18 wins from 18 games.

Gatton captain Kimberley Dore. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Another twist in women’s minor premiership race

Valleys’ late run towards fighting for the women’s minor premiership is now all but over after they suffered a shock 24-4 loss to Gatton on Sunday.

In the clash which was billed as the match of the round between two of the main three premiership contenders, the back-to-back-to-back reigning premiers showed their class and poise as they dominated from start to finish.

With two matches left, the Hawks hold a narrow one-point lead over Highfields at the top of the ladder.

Dalby on the charge

After a difficult run through the middle of the season, the Dalby Diehards are finding some form at the right time of the year.

The Diehards have spent much of the last couple of months in fifth spot on the ladder, but a resounding 64-14 win against Brothers has seen them move up to fourth and are now behind the third-placed Roosters on points difference.

It was no surprise to see that Chris Woodbridge was the star of the show as he crossed over for three tries and kicked seven conversions.

Valleys and Dalby will face off this Saturday at John McDonald Sports Complex in a game which could decide who gets third place on the ladder ahead of finals.