Toowoomba Clydesdales have 47th Battalion title defence in sights

One player remains from their 47th Battalion grand final but the Toowoomba Clydesdales are ready to ‘attack’ their trophy. Find out why the new look league side are so confident here.

Chris Woodbridge is the only player left over from Toowoomba Clydesdales 2023 47th Battalion grand final winning team. Picture: Andrea Francolini

Last year Chris Woodbridge scored a try in Toowoomba memorable 47th Battalion Trophy grand final win.

Now he is the ‘lone survivor’ of the squad that fought back from 10-0 down at halftime to secure a 24-10 against the Rockhampton Rustlers.

Despite all the new faces in his side Clydesdales coach Col Speed is confident his side can “attack their title defence” in Kingaroy this weekend.

“I am really confident. We’re going out there this weekend to attack the title we won last year,” Speed said.

“We’ve had a few players drop out for various reasons but I believe we’ve named a really good, versatile squad.

“That versatility is really important in this competition – your rotations and what you have on your bench is important. We picked a lot of players who can do a job in three or four positions for us.

Barney Litidamu (pictured in action for PBC during a Langer Trophy match last year) has been named in the Toowoomba Clydesdales 47th Battalion squad. Picture Glenn Hampson

“Having it (the 47th Battalion Trophy) at this time has given us opportunity to look at everyone in the TRL competition and pick a good squad.”

While the Clydesdales will have a target on their back as defending premiers, their game plan will be simple in a way.

Completing sets, taking chances and defending with energy will be the key to winning according to Speed.

“We played a bit more unstructured, ad lib footy last year and that worked well for us,” Speed said.

“When you’re playing in these competitions with the shortened 25-minute halves it’s really important you take your chances.

“Outside of that it’s about completing your sets, defending really well and chancing your hand a little when the opportunity is there.

KEY FIGURES

Chris Woodbridge

The electrifying fullback, who was picked up the Toowoomba Rugby League Wecke Price Medal for best A-grade male player last year, was a key figure in Dalby Diehards premiership win.

He hasn’t quite reached the dizzying heights of 2023 performances this year but he remains one of TRL’s elite players.

Woodbridge is lightning quick, avoids tackles with ease and can slide through the slightest of gaps to score tries in the blink of an eye.

Jake Speed

Speed has been one of the form players this season.

The Cowboys winger has made the most of his opportunities scoring 16 tries so far.

He has had a good set of hands and knows how to find the try line when it’s needed.

Flynn Kaiser Capewell (pictured in action for the Western Clydesdales Hastings Deering Colts) will be a key player for the Clydesdales this weekend. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Caleb Murphy

Murphy is one of TRL’s form playmakers this season – leading a points scorers in 2024.

If the Clydesdales forward pack give him enough space and time he has the right skills and decision making to punish opposition defences.

Ben Haviland

One of the Hawks best this season, the big hardworking prop is a force up the middle.

If Haviland and his pack can bend the line the Clydesdales have the backline to score points.

Blake Mara

A hard running lock who troubles opposition defences.

Mara never lets up and can relied on to make the big carries when needed.

The squad

Barney Litidamu, Blake Mara, Ben Haviland, Blake Cullen, Chris Woodbridge, Caleb Murphy, Connor Williams, Cooper Tate Roach, Jamie Te Amo, Hayden Ensbey, Flyn Kaiser, Jack Pattie, Jake Speed, Joseph Vite, Komiti Vetemotu, Lenord Thomas, Lani Pouli, Luke Self, Thomas Bell.