Top TRL teams ready to square in hunt for mid-season trophies

Wattles and Gatton headline a jam packed day of Toowoomba Rugby League trophy finals this Sunday. Find out where the big games will be won and lost here.

Gatton celebrate a try against Brothers in TRL A-grade Round 6 rugby league. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Toowoomba Rugby League’s marquee trophy finals are back.

After a ‘year off’ the Madsen Rasmussen and President’s Cup mid-season clashes are back – pitting the top two teams after round 1 against each in the A, Reserve and U19 Men’s competitions.

The Hutchinson Builders A-grade men’s match between Gatton and Wattles headlines a jam-packed day of footy that also includes the TRL Women’s grand final and Western Clydesdales matches.

Here’s our look at two of the biggest matches on the day.

Gatton v Wattles

A-grade Men

Defending premiers Gatton are the clear benchmark this season.

Fit, fast and strong, they’re unbeaten in their first 11 games of the season and boast the competition’s best attack and defence.

Wattles are not far behind with eight wins and two losses to date.

The two sides squared off in round 5 this season with Gatton scoring four second half tries to snatch a 32-22 win.

Gatton are the clear favourites heading into this one but any team coached by Travis Burns and led by the likes of Dwayne Duncan and Tom Hatch is alway in with a shot.

Wattles player Tom Hatch

“Gatton have been the best team all year, it’s another opportunity to test ourselves and with a bit of silverware on the line it’s always good,” Hatch said.

“They’re one of the fitter teams in the comp with so many quality players and strike around the park, we’ve got our work cut out for us.”

Asked if his team have the players to shine on one of TRL’s biggest stages Hatch was resoundingly positive.

“Absolutely. Guys like Dwayne Duncan can break a game open, he’s built for those big moments and obviously (coach) Travis (Burns) has us primed as well.

“These type of games once you’re there it’s all up for grabs.

“The (previous) rounds don’t mean anything it’s just all what is in front of you.”

Gatton life member Neale O’Brien

“We’ve had a great off-season, wonderful year undefeated, we’re very excited,” O’Brien said.

“The key this year has been our patience.

“Coach Jonathan Flint has drilled into the players the need to be patient when the game is on the line.

“Earlier this year we played Wattles they led 22-6 after 45 minutes, we were patient and got over the top of them, we need to do that in the final.

“Wattles are really good in the forwards and outside backs, they also have a very good culture which has shown all year on the field we will need to match that and them right across the park.”

Olly Bichel gets a try for Gatton against Brothers in TRL A-grade Round 6 rugby league. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Tyrell Woodley of Gatton against Brothers in TRL A-grade Round 6 rugby league.

Warwick v Valleys

Reserve Grade

Warwick Cowboys have so far this season recorded nine wins, a loss and enjoyed a bye while Valleys produced similar results with eight wins, a draw, one loss and a bye.

Valleys have the best defence in the competition, conceding just 94 points to date, while Warwick are far and away the best attacking team in the comp scoring 376 points.

Warwick coach Sam Wilson

“To be honest I think our best footy is ahead,” Wilson said.

“We’ve been winning games but and the team has come together really well but with injuries and few other things we haven’t quite got it all right.

“We are excited for the weekend though. I’ve told the boys we need to go out there and play with passion and pride, aside from that it’s about being patient. We can’t win the game in the first 10 minutes you’ve got to play the whole thing out.

“We have to do that because Valleys are a very, very good side and they’ll be tough.”

Valleys co-coaches Jock Waters and Ben Cook

“I think Warwick are the benchmark, they’re a very good side and it’s a good test for us.

“A good reward for the boys for the work so far this year.

“The boys have been willing to have a crack, with the mass exodus of players at the start of the year we’ve had boys willing to turn up with the right attitude, playing for each other and the club.”

On the field Cook believes his team’s success has been driven by the players’ attitude.

“Across the board every player, we’re holding each other accountable. If there is a mistake or something we can do better we don’t let it’s player driven to lift the standard of the whole team.”

The Under-19 President’s Cup between Brothers and Valleys will kick-off a full day of footy at Toowoomba Sports Ground with the game underway at 9am.