Defending premiers kick-off 2025 campaign in near perfect fashion

ROUND 1: We rank the shock results, key talking points and the star player from every grade after the opening round of season. Find out who and what made our list here.

Gatton’s Thomas Luhrman (pictured in action during the 2024 TRL Hutchinson Builders A-grade grand final against Valleys Roosters) scored against Valleys. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Toowoomba Rugby League is back and fans were treated to some absolute spectacles at the weekend.

Nearly 270 points were scored across the five Hutchinson Builders A-grade with Gatton Hawks producing the biggest winning margin of round 1.

With the first weekend of senior league action in the bag here’s our look at the big talking points, key performances and star players across all four grades.

Dynamic duo

Two blockbuster clashes – Valleys versus Gatton and Dalby versus Wattles – headlined the A-grade opening schedule.

No-one however could’ve possibly predicted the results between the powerhouse quartet.

Cameron Bundock’s runaway golden point try was all that separated Valleys and Gatton in last year’s grand final with the Hawks winning 24-20.

The result was vastly different on Saturday with Hawks clawing out a massive 52-0 win on the road.

It’s an alarming loss for a side that traditionally steps up for the big games no matter what the situation.

Wattles were equally impressive against a Dalby Diehards outfit that looked great on paper.

Despite opening the scoring in just the fourth minute Dalby finished on the wrong side of a 50-12 scoreline.

In a sign of just how deep the talent runs at Wattles seven different players crossed the line for the club.

Dalby will need to shake off the loss and regroup quickly ahead of tough road trip to face the premiers Gatton this weekend.

Terrific trio

Brothers, Oakey and Pittsworth all made key signings in the off-season bringing in experienced and proven TRL performers.

The question for all three teams was always – could they hit the ground running in difficult matches in round 1.

And the answer for all three sides was a resounding yes.

Brothers beat their more fancied rivals Warwick 34-20, Pittsworth clipped Highfields Eagles wings 44-10 and Oakey hammered Souths 40-6.

If these results are a sign of things to come the season ahead is going to be amazing.

Wonder women

Defending premiers Highfields, Valleys, Brothers and Oakey all secured wins in round 1.

The depth of talent in the women’s competition is increasing every year and that same talent is fairly evenly spread among the clubs.

The future of the women’s game looks bright.

Star players

Ted Stuart

Pittsworth Danes A-grade

The centre secured the first hat-trick of the senior season – crossing the line three times in his side’s 44-10 defeat of Highfields Eagles.

Lance McGrady Dennison

Warwick Cowboys Reserves

Dennsion pulled the strings in an impressive 48-18 win over Brothers.

The five-eighth scored two tries and kicked 5 conversions for Cowboys.

Ethan Court

Valleys Roosters U19

Court had the Roosters crowing in a 10-try thriller with Gatton Hawks.

The young five-eighth scored a try and kicked 5 conversions in Roosters 34-20 win.

Chontelle Orcher moves up for Brothers during a 2022 TRL Women’s match. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Chontelle Orcher

Brothers women

The interchange start was a key player in her side’s 38-4 win over Dalby.

Orcher scored a try and kicked 3 conversions.

Honourable mention

Dwayne Duncan

Wattles Warriors A-grade

One of TRL’s premier playmakers, Duncan made an instant impression for his new club at the weekend.

The veteran five-eighth scored a try, kicked 8 from 8 conversions and a penalty in Wattles 50-12 win over Dalby.

The Clifton club have plenty of attacking firepower this season and with Duncan assuming the kicking duties they’ll be able to rack up some big scores.