The Toowoomba Rugby League’s stellar season continues with another top-of-the table clash.
This weekend, it’s Dalby hosting Valleys whilst Goondiwindi will be hoping to keep their form hosting Warwick.
Gatton v Wattles and Souths v Highfields should be great games as well.
Pittsworth Danes v Oakey Bears
6.30pm Saturday, May 27
Club Pittsworth
Oakey have kept their half-games form going, but they need to play for a full 80 minutes and the defending premiers will not be doing them any favours as they have lost their last two games.
The Danes will be hoping to get some of their injured players back like Nick Snitzerling and James Dempsey, but will be without goal kicking winger Alex Sinclair who dislocated his shoulder against Dalby last round.
The Bears have not been disgraced this last period and halfback Josh Stanton and Daniel Anderson have been flying the flag for the club.
Still, I’m tipping Pittsworth to bounce back at home.
The Obee and Cookie Call will be live from 5.30pm.
Goondiwindi Boars v Warwick Cowboys
6.30pm Saturday, May 27
Gilberts Oval Goondiwindi
The Cowboys were impressive last week against Brothers.
Mick Bloomfield and Paul Cantwell really have their young side playing consistent footy.
Can they burst the Boars’ bubble after their close game last round against the Hawks?
The Boars look to have all their guns back with Adam Tribe returning last week and Stewart Lowe really growing into a fierce competitor.
On the other hand, the Cowboys showed they can travel and will need to keep their winning form going if they are to ensure a top six spot.
I think Warwick will be too strong.
Gatton Hawks v Wattles Warriors
2.30pm Sunday, May 28
Cahill Sporting Complex Gatton
It’s a must win for both these sides as they must start winning and play consistently to be a force in this season’s TRL competition.
Gatton have a fairly draw for the next few rounds before playing all the sides above them in a row., whereas Wattles do have games they can win but don’t face all the top teams in a row like the Hawks.
These teams are old foes and I can assure you these players will leave nothing in the shed.
Take nothing out of the Hawks clash with the Boars as both coaches agreed it was a good quality game.
The Wattles’ injury list is hurting them; Dale Perkins (back just before finals), Kyle Marsh (season) Brendan Wilson (back just before finals), Matt Duggan (2-3 weeks), Mitchell Duff (ACL injury - time unknown) and Tim Sharpe (6 weeks) are all top-quality footballers who are missing due to injury.
Due to these injuries, there will be more pressure on players like Jamie Abbas, Ty Gardner and Liam Ross to lift their troops. Need I say anymore?
I’m tipping Gatton at home.
Southern Suburbs Tigers v Highfields Eagles
2.30pm Sunday, May 28
Clive Berghofer Stadium Toowoomba
Daniel Holmes’ appointment at the doctor is coming and this is a watershed match for the Tigers.
They are bringing confidence into the game and they are a more confident side when the boss is on the field.
Irrespective, I was impressed with their forward pack when they played Dalby two weeks ago in the fog.
Dwayne Duncan has been in superb form, but is out with a suspected fractured ankle which is a big loss for the Tigers, however, they have Josh Ryan to partner Tom Landers in the centres which is okay but Duncan knows how to turn around the opposition.
The Cocker brothers have also been in good for the Tigers but Tevita is fighting to make the game with a foot injury.
Highfields are probably one of the more luckier sides as far as injuries go so I expect they will be favourites but we’ll see how they pull up after their game against the Roosters last week.
Souths need to win, but it’s still the Eagles in my tips.
Dalby Diehards v Valleys Roosters
Hutchies Match of the Round
2.30pm Sunday, May 28
Dalby Leagues Club
Looking ahead to this game, Valleys captain Ryan Stevens is out and Dalby hooker Daniel Wassell is out.
Dylan Taylor is doubtful and probably won’t play as is Alex Ambia with an ankle concern.
Pittsworth failed to keep up with these two sides over the last two weeks.
Valleys tasted their first loss of the season last weekend, losing by a couple of tries which is surprising as I expected it to be a lot closer.
Both these teams admitted they dropped ball last week so given the injury list and their form, it will be interesting to see these two go at it.
I suggest the start of the game will be a good guide.
Wardrop and Manley were superb for the Diehards’ defence last start, therefore I expect Dalby to win on the back of their defence.
The Obee and Cookie Call will be live from 1.30pm.
Follow all of the Round 9 action on the Toowoomba Rugby League website.
