TRL President’s Cup and Madsen Rasmussen stars named

From barnstorming front row forwards to crafty halfbacks and flying fullbacks, we rank the stars of the Madsen Rasmussen and President’s Cup matches. Find out who cracked the list here.

Tate Rhea with the ball for Gatton against Wattles in TRL Madsen-Rasmussen rugby league, Sunday, July 6, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Darling Downs league fans were treated to a trophy final spectacle on Sunday.

The return of the Madsen Rasmassen and President’s Cup clashes drew a massive crowd to Toowoomba Sports Ground for a full day of rugby league action.

The day started with an all action Under-19 boys clash between longtime rivals Brothers and Valleys.

Here’s a look at the key talking points and stars players from the U19 Boys match as well as the Reserve and A-grade men’s games.

Brothers 30 df Valleys 24

U19 boys

The unbeaten Brothers were favourites heading into this clash, but Valleys showed up and rattled the cage of their cross-town rivals.

The match was played at frantic pace, with both teams seemingly eager to score with every touch of the ball.

Off the back of a rampaging pack Valleys took an 18-10 lead into halftime and looked in control in the early stages of the second half.

But Brothers never went away and with captain Pat Muir and Amdes Saunders charging through the middle they fought back to seal an epic win.

Connor Williams of Wattles against Gatton in TRL Madsen-Rasmussen rugby league, Sunday, July 6, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Nicholas Short of Gatton against Wattles in TRL Madsen-Rasmussen rugby league, Sunday, July 6, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Alex Hinch of Wattles is tackled by Ben Haviland of Gatton in TRL Madsen-Rasmussen rugby league, Sunday, July 6, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Gatton 22 df Wattles 18

A-grade

The A-grade powerhouses combined for an all-time Madsen Rasmussen classic on Sunday night.

As the sun set, the two clubs lit up Toowoomba Sports Ground in a thrilling encounter.

It was a clichéd game of two halves with Wattles dominating the opening 40 minutes.

Wattles were the far better team early in the game through hard running and even harder defence.

Leading 18-0 with three minutes left in the first half, Wattles had one hand on the trophy before a key turning point in the clash.

Gatton coach Jonathan Flint’s use of Mena Bakabaka off the bench was inspiring with the big forward instantly troubling the Wattles defence.

Bakabaka made his presence truly felt with a try one minute before the break and Gatton went into the sheds with their tails up.

The second half was the Gatton Hawks show, with the 2024 premiers grifting and grinding their way to a memorable victory.

Warwick 32 df Valleys 28

Reserve grade

Like two veteran prize fighters, Warwick and Valleys traded blows and tries in a clash that will not be forgotten.

Valleys Cahlen Comiskey landed the first shot, scoring in the third minute, and 65 minutes later Warwick Tyrelle Ross crossed the line for the 10th try of the game.

It looked like Valleys had the game won before Ross’ try, which levelled the scores just two minutes from full-time.

Still reeling from the blow Valleys let their guard down just two minutes in extra time – conceding the match winner.

Capping off a dazzling play, Cowboys Lance McGrady Dennison tiptoed down the sideline before diving over to score a try.