Toowoomba Rugby League correspondent Andrew O'Brien casts his eye over the two men's A grade clashes in week two of the finals.
Minor semi-final - Warwick v Dalby
Father Ranger Oval, Warwick, Saturday 6.30pm
These two clubs are in good form. Whilst Warwick lost last weekend against Valleys, they found their mojo. Valleys had to play well to beat them.
The Cowboys have key players returning in this elimination final. Joe Vite, who was selected in the Queensland Country team, and Tom Bell, will line up after missing last week’s qualifying final against the Roosters.
Ben Sullivan added a lot of polish last week and with players returning, Sullivan stood up. They will be primed to deliver at their home ground.
Warwick had their largest crowd of the season last weekend and they will be looking at their supporters to turn up for this “no tomorrow” clash against the defending premiers.
The Diehards showed plenty of personality when they came from behind to defeated Wattles at Clifton last week. They proved they are no pushover in away games.
They will be bringing that confidence to Father Ranger Oval on Saturday night.
Dalby have grown over the season, especially with their new, young side.
They seem to have no fear in their execution and with Blake Mara and Josh Chappell understanding their mojo as the season has gone on. They will be backing themselves in this clash.
Dalby got the chocolates in the last round of the season against the Cowboys, but this will be a different affair.
Gatton and Valleys will be playing in the heat the following day so the winner of this match will enter next week as a winner against a loser.
Mitch Wilson and the Sullivan brothers ooze passion and they put their bodies on the line every match.
Warwick have the forwards experience to match the youthful Diehards pack.
This will be a key as will be the battle between Warwick’s Nick Chapman and the Diehards' Chris Woodbridge - another Country selection. Both are in the form of their lives.
They are game breakers and once this match is decided, one of these players will be the reason for the win.
Each side has nothing to lose and it will be a shame that one of these sides will exit the competition.
We are privileged to have these two wonderful clubs contesting this match, which will be a beauty.
Major semi-final - Gatton v Valleys
Cahill Park Sporting Complex, Gatton, Sunday 2.30pm
The two form sides in the competition. Gatton make their first appearance in the 2024 TRL finals when they host Valleys on Sunday at 2.30pm
The Hawks are coming off a week's rest to face the Roosters, who fought through hot conditions last weekend.
The last time they met Gatton they won 36-18 in Round 16. Gatton were excellent that day, but this will be a different game and in hot conditions as well (the forecast top is 37C).
Valleys appreciated the rest prior to defeating Warwick in the first round of the finals 22-18. They dug deep in the second half and they will again be relying on that determination again come kick off.
They have players returning for this important clash in Josh Kellor and Barney Litidamu, whilst Brock Diment and Komiti Vetemotu will be giving themselves every minute to be ready after receiving injuries last weekend.
Irrespective, the Roosters have good depth. Their spine has been excellent recently with McGrady, Duncan and Sedger solid for the whole 80 minutes last week.
Gatton have talent right across the park. They have plenty of options with the unsung heroes performing well.
Tye Gray does not get the accolades he deserves, but he is one of the best finishers in the competition. Ben Haviland is in that mode as well as. He goes about his business with a minimum of fuss.
Whilst this is a team game, nothing would please the Hawks supporters than having Shannon Hicks raise the trophy at the end of the year. He got some practice when he lifted the Madsen Rasmussen trophy for the minor premiership.
It is so important this clash. Gatton have been thereabouts over the last couple of seasons, whereas the Roosters are still hurting from last year’s grand final defeat.
Hawks have a different line up than last year. Valleys have nine players in their squad that played last year’s final.
That leaves eight fresh faces currently with Cory McGrady, Denzel Burns and Brock Diment notable differences.
Alex Hinch scored one of the tries of the season last weekend. He is in tremendous form and will be one of the key players this weekend.
Hawks are similar. They have eight players who played the preliminary final last season, with nine fresh players.
Notably, Joel Hughes, Tommy Luhrmann and Olly Bichel are in the line-up, whilst Travis Turnbull is their strike player.
This game sets up for Luke Self to ply his magic from the back.
There will be no excuses for either of these sides come kick off. All they know is if they win, a grand final berth is secured.
Main image: Denzel Burns in action for Valleys.
