We rank the Toowoomba Rugby League’s most influential players

With the second week of finals kicking off this weekend, we have ranked from 12-1 the Toowoomba Rugby League’s biggest gamebreakers. SEE THE FULL LIST

With the second week of finals kicking off this weekend, we have ranked from 12-1 the Toowoomba Rugby League's biggest gamebreakers.

RUGBY LEAGUE: With the second week of Toowoomba Rugby League finals here, it’s time for the big players to stand up and be counted when it matters most.

Goondiwindi, Wattles, Valleys and Highfields remain in the hunt for TRL Premiership glory, with only one set to stand tall.

With all the chips on the line, The Chronicle ranks from 12-1 the TRL’s finals gamebreakers.

12. NICK BAINBRIDGE (HIGHFIELDS)

We’ve seen Bainbridge play across the park during his time in the TRL, but it’s fair to say he looks right at home in the hooking role.

Has shown he is capable of standing up in the big games with an exemplary showing in the Madsen-Rasmussen Trophy final.

“Nick is an underrated player that can influence a game at crucial times,” TRL Media’s Andrew O’Brien said.

“I’d have him in my team of the year.”

Nick Bainbridge. Picture: Kevin Farmer

11. DWAYNE DUNCAN (VALLEYS)

A strike centre that has been an elite performer for a number of years, Dwayne Duncan is key to Valleys hopes of striking it big this year.

Duncan has the size and strength to worry any opposition marker on his day.

“Dwayne has an excellent kicking game, especially his high ball,” O’Brien said.
“He works so well with his wingers.”

Dwayne Duncan. Picture: Kevin Farmer

10. BRENDON MCBRYDE (WATTLES)

Wattles have added a few key pieces throughout the year, and the former Broncos U20s player has been among their best.

A big body that has given the Warriors punch off the bench, McBryde is set for a huge finals campaign.

“McBryde has broken many games apart over the 2021 season and is very mobile for his size,” O’Brien said.

Brendon McBryde. Picture: John Gass

9. TRAVIS WADDELL (GOONDIWINDI)

The former NRL player has added another element to this side both on and off the field. We’ve witnessed the class that saw him enjoy a fruitful first grade career, and with a hand injury behind him, the lock-forward is poised for a big finals campaign.

“He’s an 80-minute player with a high workrate,” O’Brien said.

“He’s arguably the coach of the year and a real leader of men.”

Travis Waddell. Picture: Kevin Farmer

8. JOHN MAILA (VALLEYS)

One of the pickups of the season, the Ipswich forward has added a new dimension to a big Valleys forward pack.

With both size and mobility, Maila has given coach Matt Schulze a genuine strike weapon.

“He’s made a huge impact this season and is living up to the tag of buy of the season,” O’Brien said.

“He can really impact the line.”

John Maila. Picture: Nev Madsen

7. JOE MUA (WATTLES)

One of the most devastating ballrunners in the TRL, Mua has proven to be one of the biggest impact players off the bench in 2021.

Has changed multiple games through his eagerness to get involved, and is shaping as Wattles’ strike weapon throughout the finals.

“Joe is a huge impact player in the competition,” O’Brien said.

“He makes a point of difference when needed to lift his side.”

Joe Mua. Picture: Kevin Farmer

6. DREW JACKSON (VALLEYS)

An example of a player that has risen to the honour of being captain.

Jackson has been a standout performer for the Roosters and one of their most consistent, who is as strong with the ball as he is on the other side of it.

“The 2019 John McDonald winner has carried that form into 2021,” O’Brien said.

“He’s at his peak to continue having an impact. He loves finals and is proving to be an excellent captain.”

Drew Jackson. Picture: Nev Madsen

5. DAVID MCGRADY (GOONDIWINDI)

Play seems to stop around McGrady, that’s how much time it looks like he has on his hands. The Goondiwindi captain is often able to dictate play and is the calming influence that helped the Boars to the minor premiership.

“He’s nicknamed the Panther because he glides about the park, preys on the opposition and pounces when he sees a gap,” O’Brien said.

“A great leader of men.”

David McGrady. Picture: Kevin Farmer

4. PAT TEMPLEMAN (HIGHFIELDS)

Touted as the biggest signing of the season, Templeman has lived up to that reputation.

A former Intrust Super Cup player of the year at just 22 years old, the five-eighth has been the perfect companion for McGrady in the halves.

“One of the most skilful players that the TRL has seen,” O’Brien said.

“A great adversary for Cory McGrady and is the top pointscorer in the league.”

Pat Templeman. Picture: Nev Madsen

3. DAVID ARMSTRONG (GOONDIWINDI)

Finished the season as leading tryscorer, and when you watch him play it’s not hard to see why.

Always lurking around the play and his positioning has gone to another level this season, elevating him to the heights of the Clydesdales.

“He can open up a game with sheer pace,” O’Brien said.

“He’s the fastest player in the competition.”

David Armstrong. Picture: Nev Madsen

2. MATT DUGGAN (WATTLES)

Like a fine wine, Wattles halfback Matt Duggan just continues to get better with age.

One of the competition’s highest IQ players, Duggan brings the complete package with his ability to take on the line and tremendous boot.

“He continues to defy his age (30),” O’Brien said.

“He loves going to the line and is the complete competitor.”

Matt Duggan. Picture: Kevin Farmer

1. CORY MCGRADY (HIGHFIELDS)

One of the TRL’s premier halves, McGrady has enjoyed a solid season in his return to Highfields.

Is a proven big game performer having won dual premierships with Valleys in 2018-19, and has the pieces around him to make another charge with Highfields.

“He’s arguably been the best player in the last five years of the TRL,” O’Brien said.

“Was one of the Clydesdales outstanding players in their quest for a state title and is also a tremendous defender.”

Cory McGrady. Picture: Nev Madsen