Loss rules Oakey out of TRL finals race

Loss rules Oakey Bears out of TRL finals race.

CHARGING FORWARD: Wattles player Mitchell Duff breaks through the Brothers line during their match on Sunday. Picture: Nev Madsen

RUBGY LEAGUE: Round 14 of the Hutchies TRL A-grade was defined by the teams that didn't play each other.

With the finals looming none of the top five sides squared off - leaving them with little opportunity to gauge their form heading into the knock-out stages of the competition.

The weekend's matches did however seal the fate of Oakey.

"And then there was six - is what I took away from the weekend's game,” TRL official Andrew O'Brien said.

"Highfields welcomed back some key players from injury and took it to another level against the Bears.

"Unfortunately that rules them (Oakey) out of the chase for the top five.”

Oakey's 46-24 loss to Highfields mathematically rules them out of finals contention but the Bears could still determine the make-up of the top five.

Oakey will play Gatton in round 17 with the sixth-placed Hawks needing to win their remaining three games to keep their hopes alive.

But Gatton must first overcome Warwick this weekend.

"Gatton's forwards really stepped it up against Pittsworth,” O'Brien said.

"They'll need to do that again when they play Cowboys.

"If they (Gatton) lose to Warwick that's it for them in terms of top five.

"They basically need to win all their remaining games and have results go their way.”

Travelling to Warwick, Gatton will face a battle hardened Cowboys outfit.

"Goondiwindi showed what they're about again on the weekend,” O'Brien said.

"They are yet to record a win at home but it's tough challenge for anyone going out there.

"It was a good hit-out for Warwick and they'll welcome that heading into the last rounds.”

TRL envy of QRL

Four rounds of the TRL competition remain and only a handful of points separate the top sides.

The A-grade top six is

separated by six points and while the top six in reserve grade is separated by the same margin.

In the under-18s competition the margin is even smaller with only two points splitting the top five teams.

"The competition is really strong at the moment,” O'Brien said.

"We're the envy of the QRL.

"I put it down to culture.

"All of the clubs are working hard to create and grow a positive framework.

"When you travel to clubs like Oakey or Goondiwindi they can't do enough to accommodate you.

"And that's the case right across the competition. It's a fantastic environment to be part of.”

Originally published as Loss rules Oakey out of TRL finals race