Five key takeaways from TRL round four

WATTLES send out a statement to the rest of the competition, as last year's minnow side continue their climb up the ladder.

Jeff Nielsen looks to find an outside man for Highfields on Saturday night. Picture: Kevin Farmer

RUGBY LEAGUE: The fourth round of the TRL Premiership saw a number of close contests, and a contender flex their muscles.

With four games decided by single digits, it served as one of the more thrilling rounds in recent memory.

These are the five talking points from round four.

WATTLES SEND COMP A REMINDER

If there was any doubt as to which team is the most explosive on their day, Wattles answered that question in the space of 80 minutes.

After a fair start to the season by their lofty expectations, they were on from the opening minute against the Danes, and showed no signs of letting up on their way to an 80-point demolition.

The 15-try display saw an amazing 11 individuals cross the tryline, and served as a timely reminder to the rest of the TRL Premiership that they are unstoppable when on their game.

MINNOWS FROM 2018 RISING

While Brothers and Southern Suburbs endured some pretty tough times in 2018, things are looking up for the pair this time around.

At the weekend, Brothers put in their best performance of the season to down Highfields at Glenholme Park, while Souths went agonisingly close to knocking off Gatton on the road.

It's the clearest indication to date that the standard of competition from teams previously at the bottom as risen, and that no team is to be taken lightly anymore.

OAKEY NEED TO CLOSE OUT GAMES

For the second time in the space of three weeks, the game has been there for Oakey to win, however they have failed to close out games when it counts.

Three early tries in the second half had Valleys on the ropes as they trailed by eight points with less than 20 minutes remaining, but they were able to lift another gear.

They were in a similar position against Goondiwindi in round two, and if they can't close out games, they could be left to ponder 'what if' come finals time.

GATTON LEARN HOW TO WIN UGLY

Coming away with the two points when you're off your game is the sign of a good team.

Gatton managed to achieve that on Saturday night, in an effort described by the team as a pretty ugly display.

Keeping yourself in the grind when things aren't going to plan is a skill that good teams develop, and after losing a few close games last year that could well have resulted in wins, the Hawks seem to be turning a corner in that regard in 2019.

WEEK OFF SET TO COME IN HANDY

As footballs are replaced by chocolates this weekend, a number of teams will enjoy a week away from the game.

Obviously Pittsworth are one of those teams that needs to regroup ahead of a big ANZAC Day clash, while a team with a number of injury concerns like Valleys will appreciate the extra seven days to improve on the fitness of a few players.

Originally published as Five key takeaways from TRL round four