TRL Allstars return to the winners circle on bumper day of league against SWQ Emus
The TRL Allstars claimed a clean sweep of the major men’s and women’s fixtures. Catch up on a huge day out at Kuhls Rd, plus check out our gallery from the women’s feature match of the day.
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RUGBY LEAGUE: The TRL Allstars have overturned recent dominance of the SWQ Emus to claim a memorable victory at Kuhls Rd.
On a bumper day of league that showcased the brightest talent within the region of all ages and genders, the three-game win streak of the Indigenous Emus was brought to an end courtesy of a 32-18 defeat.
Coach Mark Sullivan told TRL Media his side was determined to overcome the heartbreak of their last pair of outings.
“It was a bit of motivation that the boys had been beaten in the last 30 seconds of the last two games,” Sullivan said.
“They played and gelled really well. We only had one training run, they were all on board with the concepts we wanted to put in place and they played some really good footy.
“There was a lot of ad lib football from the Emus, and I’m really proud of what the result was.”
Austin Jennings was among the best of the Emus with a pair of tries for the evening, and the new Wattles recruit said it was good to have the concept back after a year off.
“It’s so good to be back. It’s been a boring off-season,” he said.
“To come back and play in front of the fans and represent your culture against the Allstars is always a great feeling.
“We always get around each other no matter what. I look forward to it every year and I’m glad it’s back.”
In the women’s encounter, the Allstars came away with a gritty 24-20 victory to claim the inaugural Pat Fraser Shield.
The victors were able to open up a 10-point lead late in the second half, giving them enough breathing room to take the win.
“Fitness and the training sessions we managed to have (helped),” TRL Allstars coach Cameron Love said.
“Putting them together on Wednesday nights, they just clicked.
“Mistakes were happening on both parts, but I think it was one of the fastest women’s games I’ve seen in Toowoomba in a while.”
Captain Kim Dore praised the defensive efforts of her side in being able to hold out
“It’s very exciting,” she said.
“It’s a great start for the side and hopefully a lot of the girls will come back next year and keep playing. I think it will keep building.
“It was hard in defence. We just kept coming and coming, and we knew if we held them out we would eventually get down the end and we would score.
“Credit to the girls for their commitment and effort on the defensive side.”
EMUS PLAYERS TO WATCH
13 GIRLS
ANGEL-MAY MONAGLE
“Angel-May is fairly new to rugby league but she shows great leadership on and off the field,” manager Narrinda Dempsey said.
“She played rep for Darling Downs U12s last year and plays in the forwards.”
JAEDA WRIGHT
“Jaeda is great personality wise, is very friendly to the other girls and is always willing to help,” Dempsey said.
“She’s a forward that is great with her tackling and is also a DD rep.”
JANNALI WILLIS-DUNCAN
“Plays five-eighth, is quick and is a great playmaker,” Dempsey said.
“Has a very well-known family through Valleys and played for Darling Downs last year. Is quick off the mark.”
14 BOYS
TIMAHNA TANDY
“Timahna is a very solid footballer that can control a game and directs the team very well. He plays at halfback,” coach Wes Murray said.
YEIM COSTELLO
“Yeim can play halfback or fullback,” Murray said.
“He controls the play and defends really well.”
COOPER MURRAY
“Has plenty of speed. Likes to play fullback and his game awareness is really strong,” Murray said.
15 GIRLS
CASEY LINGWOODOCK
“Can play in either the halves or at fullback,” manager Emily Young said.
“Isn’t very big but having that utility will be good for us. Has experience at Wilsonton SHS.”
CRYSTAL LINGWOODOCK
“Plays in the second row, isn’t scared to get out there and have a go,” Young said.
“Will be leading the pack and will ensure we should be pretty competitive.”
EMMERSON MITCHELL
“Has represented the South West and Queensland Outback,” Young said.
“Plays in the front row, and is a leader in the pack. Has a go and isn’t scared of anything.”
16 BOYS
SHAUN AND SHANNON ELARA
“They both have really good skills,” coach Tim Muggleton said.
“They can play anywhere, but we’ll have Shannon at hooker and Shaun in the halves. They’re pretty dynamic players when they get going.”
AMDES SAUNDERS
“Amdes is from St George and he’s been travelling down for training,” Muggleton said.
“He’s been in the Clydesdales squad and can play on an edge in the second row or centres.”
KOLBY SEYMOUR
“Another second row/centre that is nice and quick,” Muggleton said.
“Comes from Mungindi and should provide some good attack for us.”
ALEXANDER WOODBRIDGE
“AJ is a great skilled halfback,” Muggleton said.
“He has all the skills and will hopefully steer the boys well around the park.”
17 GIRLS
CHLOE PALLISIER
A talented back that can kick goals as well, Pallisier adds a touch of class to the Emus.
Earned player of the match honours for Southern Suburbs during their TJRL grand final win last year.
MARIAH BROWN
Started out in rugby union and has looked right at home since giving rugby league a go.
A Darling Downs representative capable of leading the Emus around the park on the weekend.
LEAH WALKER
Also part of the strong Southern Suburbs team, Walker has shown experience at fullback in recent times.
Gives an element of pace at the back and can read the game well.
19 BOYS
JOVYN JOHNSTON
“Our captain. Jovyn’s a big running forward that can play in the front or back row,” manager Katrina Johnston said.
“He loves the culture and playing for his mob is one of his proudest moments.”
TRAE BENNETTO
“A fullback from Goondiwindi having his first hitout as an Emu,” Johnston said.
“A very talented player that will be exciting to watch.”
YARRAN WILLIS-DUNCAN
“Has been in the Emus system since U15s and is a centre,” Johnston said.
“A big time player that can pull out some big stuff in an important game.”
OPEN WOMEN
ROSIE GIBBS
“Plays at five-eighth and is one of our most experienced players,” coach Randall Taylor said.
“Is a really good goalkicker and controls the backline well.”
COURNTEY-LEE NOLAN
“A halfback from Gatton that is a real up and comer,” Taylor said.
“I’ve never coached her before, but her skills are at another level. Not very big, but is very slick.”
KIARA TAYLOR
“Kiara is a front rower and a real leader of the team,” Taylor said.
“She will dominate the middle for us and that’s what I’m after. Her talk is good for the team.”
OPEN MEN 2
BENJI NELIMAN
Shaping as one of the more exciting off-season acquisitions in the TRL, Neliman has enjoyed a few trial games under his belt for Oakey.
Has plenty of pace and is strong with the ball in hand.
TRAVIS BABBINGTON
In recent times we’ve seen Babbington step up to the plate for Dalby in the halves and also in the backline.
Boasts an abundance of talent and a good kicking game as well.
ALEX HINCH
Made the step up to regular A-grade football for Valleys last year and didn’t miss a beat.
Such an exciting player to watch and can turn a small chance into a try out on the wing.
OPEN MEN 1
CORY MCGRADY
“Cory is a player that will lead us around the park,” coach Justin Brown said.
“Was in the Toowoomba A-grade side last year that made the final and is looking really fit this year.”
CHRIS WOODBRIDGE
“A young bloke coming through the ranks that moved to Goondiwindi for an opportunity,” Brown said.
“Was also in that Toowoomba team and will make people take notice with his speed and ability to sniff out a try.”
NATHAN GAULTON
“Nathan’s actions speak louder than words. He’s our captain,” Brown said.
“I’m expecting a big game from him in front of a big crowd of family and friends.”
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