It has been an intriguing start to the centenary season of the Toowoomba Rugby League.
Already, there are some burning questions after only two rounds.
Is the competition already taking shape?
Are previous wooden spooners Oakey and Souths the real deal?
Can Highfields and Gatton restart their seasons after poor starts?
In Round 2 at the weekend, the Wattles Warriors got their first win in this year’s campaign with an impressive 48-14 result over Highfields at home.
Leading 24-4 at halftime, Wattles halves Matt Duggan and Travis Burns combined well to assist in the onslaught in the second half, including a hat-trick to Nathan Gaulton to register their first premiership points of the season.
The scoreline was a little tighter in the Souths v Brothers clash, with the Tigers recording a 22-18 win on Brethren turf.
The Tigers led from the front, and despite the Leprechauns making a late charge home, Souths held on for the long-awaited win.
It’s been a tough start to the year for Gatton after Pittsworth claimed a 26-12 upset victory in the final game on Saturday night.
The Hawks had no answers for the Danes as they charged out of the blocks from the opening whistle to lead 16-0 at the break, making the task of coming back all too difficult for the visitors.
The win has left Gatton soul-searching after blowing two winnable games.
In last Sunday’s Hutchies Match of the Round, Goondiwindi showed they’ll be no pushover this season with a hard fought 38-20 win over the courageous Oakey Bears.
The Boars’ distinguished recruit, incumbent USA Hawks captain Mark Offerdahl has led from the front as their captain / coach, and they currently sit on top of the TRL ladder after two polished performances.
In the last game of the round, the Cowboys have laid the foundation for their season with a good 32-20 away win against Dalby.
Warwick hooker Ben Sullivan led his side wonderfully with a player of the round performance.
This weekend, there are some important games that could make climbing the ladder difficult should teams be stuck at the bottom.
In the Toowoomba Sports Club Match of the Day, Gatton have a chance to bag their first points of the season but face Highfields at home, looking to avenge last week’s
The “Battle of the Birds” clashes are always close affairs and this game will be no different, and with a lot at stake, the game could go either way.
Warwick are at home to Oakey, with the Cowboys going into this match 2/2 so far.
The corresponding game last season was a brutal affair and this one should be no different.
Souths really need to step up against the top sides, and have a perfect opportunity to do so when they face Wattles in Clifton on Saturday.
In saying that, after the Warriors’ comprehensive victory last weekend, it’s going to be a David v Goliath battle for the Tigers against the star-studded outfit.
Last year’s premiers face off against the 2016 champions, Dalby at Herb Steinohrt Oval on Sunday.
The Roosters will be better for the week off but Dalby weren’t far off from gaining the two points last week.
These games are always great affairs and these two have a history – it’s a clash not to be missed!
Finally, the Hutchies Match of the Round sees Pittsworth host Brothers.
A lot is on the line for both these teams; if Brothers fall short, they’ll be zero from three, whereas Pittsworth will only be 1/3 if they can’t get up at home.
Momentum is big in rugby league and the Danes’ surprise win last start combined with the home crowd will see them start favourites.
Follow the Round 3 results via the Toowoomba Rugby League Match Centre.
