Valleys and Wattles set for key TRL clash

Valleys and Wattles clash may decide TRL minor premiership

TRY TIME: Kalemb Hart scores for Valleys during their Madsen-Rasmussen Trophy clash with Wattles. The two TRL heavyweights will square off again on Sunday. Picture: Kevin Farmer

RUGBY LEAGUE: Valleys know their clash with Wattles this Sunday is important and they're preparing accordingly.

Victory for the second-placed Roosters will draw them level with Wattles and could potentially help them secure the TRL A-grade minor premiership.

However, silverware is the last thing on Valleys coach Brett Seymour's mind right now.

"We want to finish the regular season strong,” Seymour said.

"Our focus is on playing good footy over the next month and that starts with Wattles.

"We know it's going to be a tough game because we just scraped home against them in the (Madsen Rasmussen Trophy) final.

"And both teams know that we're probably going to have to go through each other again if either of us wants to win it all this year.”

Valleys never gave up in their 24-22 Madsen Rasmussen Trophy final win over Wattles and having the mindset will be key again according to Seymour.

"Our mindset has been key this season - particularly in defence,” he said.

"It's no secret defence wins all the big games.

"Last year we probably didn't focus on it (defence) as much as we could've.

"This year we've stepped it up. Our attitude in defence then transfers over into our attack - it gives us confidence.”

The halves combination of both teams will also play a key hand in the game.

"Wattles are really good team, solid across the park,” Seymour said.

"I think our packs are pretty evenly matched and the game will be won in the middle third.

"They've good halves in Travis (Burns) and Matt (Duggan) and we have quality there as well.

"Whoever can give their halves the most time and space is probably going to win the game.”

Originally published as Valleys and Wattles set for key TRL clash