The Chronicle looks at the big question each TRL club needs to answer in 2021

The Chronicle looks at the questions facing each of the 12 Toowoomba Rugby League clubs ahead of Saturday’s season launch.

Sam Betros of Brothers. Picture: Kevin Farmer

RUGBY LEAGUE: This Saturday will mark the end of 580 days without the Toowoomba Rugby League.

A lot of water has passed under the bridge since that point, with teams gaining players, losing talent and the reintroduction of the Newtown Lions into the fold.

It sets the scene for one of the most intriguing editions of the TRL in its century of existence, as to who will come out on top.

It also presents a number of questions for all 12 clubs that they will have to answer if they are to reach the promised land.

The Chronicle looks at the big question facing each side heading into the Toowoomba Rugby League season.

BROTHERS

Can their backs match their forward intensity?

Brothers have recruited well for the upcoming season, particularly in the forwards.

Nathan Gaulton joins the likes of Mitch Revell and Sam Betros in a strong pack, but it’s their backline that needs to make things happen.

Austin Jennings gives them strikepower, and with some promising young guns coming through, they could be a surprise packet.

DALBY

Can their mix of youth and experience lead them to a title?

The squad composition of the Diehards looks to be among the strongest in the league.

The halves pairing of Travis Babington and Dylan Taylor is strong.

Mix that in with a strong core of Steve Franciscus, Xavier Manley and Danny Wassell, and big things should come out of Dalby this season.

Fine Faingaa joins Gatton. Photo: Rob Williams

GATTON

How big an influence will their new recruits have?

The Hawks were one of three sides to compete in the Volunteers Cup, and it has helped them pick up a few new players for the new year.

You could make a case that they’ve had the best off-season in terms of bringing in new players, with a number of Ipswich players making the move.

Throw in locals Tyson White, Daniel Jennings, Hayden Lipp and Dylan Flanagan, and Gatton have a big shot at the title.

GOONDIWINDI

Can Travis Waddell prove the difference?

The Boars are building off a strong platform laid down by Mark Offerdahl, and the recruitment of the former NRL hooker can once again deliver them to the finals.

From all reports the playing group is responding well to the new addition, and they’ll once again throw their hat in the ring for a finals spot.

Adding a quality player to an already solid squad has proven to work in this league.

Cory McGrady links with Highfields. Photo: Nev Madsen

HIGHFIELDS

How far does Cory McGrady take them?

When last seen, McGrady was still the premier halfback of the competition, so for Highfields to bring him back is a huge coup.

Having that stability is something the Eagles lacked in 2019 when they narrowly avoided the spoon, and is a big reason why they should be in the finals mix once again.

NEWTOWN

How will they aim up in their comeback?

You could argue that the year off has been beneficial to the Lions, giving them the chance to finetune their roster before their comeback season.

They’ve got Col Speed at the helm and have recruited well, as they look to compete, and not just make up the numbers.

They’ll be looking for a fast start to the season to get some confidence among the group.

OAKEY

Will their depth hold up throughout the year?

The Bears have made a number of key acquisitions, including former NRL player Jason Ferris as coach and his son Nick at halfback.

As we saw in 2019, once injuries hit, the Bears found it hard to pick up victories, and hopefully it’s a situation Oakey doesn’t find itself in this time around.

There’s some talent within the roster, and if they can stay healthy they will pick up their fair share of wins.

PITTSWORTH

What impact will their returning players have?

There’s no doubt the Danes are happy to welcome back Blake Cullen, who had a good stint while captaining the Western Mustangs.

Mix him in with the likes of Tom O’Sullivan and captain-coach Daniel York, and there’s a strong core there in Pittsworth.

They struggled in 2019, but the players are there to make an impact this year.

SOUTHERN SUBURBS

Do they have what it takes to make the finals?

Souths had a much improved 2019 as they just missed the playoffs with six wins.

They know they need to rise to another level if they want to go one better.

The experience of the Volunteers Cup will help, as will some more game time in the legs of their young core.

VALLEYS

Will they complete the hat-trick?

The 2018 and 2019 TRL premiers finally get the chance to defend their crown, but they’ll once again be the hunted.

With a few key players missing from their last charge, there will be a question mark over how the new-look side can gel.

However there’s no doubting the class that the Roosters clearly possess, and it’s hard to see them not in the hunt.

WARWICK

Who takes them over the edge?

Warwick was the big improvers of 2019, reaching a grand final from out of nowhere.

One of the best things about their roster was the depth across the park, but as they look to go one step better this year, who will be the man to get them to that new level?

Perhaps it could be Mitch Wilson, who joins the club at halfback.

Jackson Green. Photo: Kevin Farmer

WATTLES

Can they get over the hump?

Over the last two seasons they’ve stamped themselves as one of the premier teams in the competition.

Any side with Matt Duggan and Travis Burns steering the ship will be thereabouts, but can they capture that elusive title?

The recruitment of Joe Mua and Jackson Green are a big help, as will a strong record at home.