Carmichael keen to host finals at clubs
Dalby, Valleys set for Madsen-Rasmussen
RUGBY LEAGUE: Dalby may be preparing to take on Valleys in Sunday’s Madsen-Rasmussen Trophy Final at the Roosters’ home ground - and Diehards coach Kerry Carmichael thinks there should be more of it.
The Madsen-Rasmussen Trophy and finals matches are traditionally played at Clive Berghofer Stadium but Sunday’s mid-season President’s Cup matches will be contested at Herb Steinohrt Oval.
Last year, the Madsen-Rasmussen was played at Pittsworth when the Danes and Souths were already scheduled to meet in the second round, and while the game has moved back to a stand-alone fixture, Sunday’s clash is back at a club venue.
Dalby is unbeaten heading into the Madsen-Rasmussen but will take on second-placed Valleys at their home ground, not that Carmichael is complaining.
He is actually a fan of club grounds hosting matches like the Madsen-Rasmussen and finals.
“I think there should be more of it,” he said.
Dalby is undefeated after 10 games and looks the team to beat. Qualifying for the Madsen-Rasmussen gives the Diehards a rare chance to play for TRL A grade silverware, with the club’s last major trophy win in the mid-season final back in 2010, coincidently against Valleys.
Carmichael says that result could be an omen for a Dalby win, but will have no bearing this weekend.
“Any trophy would be pretty good in our cabinet. She’s pretty bare,” Carmichael said.
The Diehards also downed Valleys 28-12 when the two teams met in Dalby on May 28, but Carmichael expects a stronger Roosters outfit.
“We got them on an off day at Dalby but I think they’ll be better. We’re expecting a really tough game,” he said. “They’ll come out firing.
“It’s going to be semi-final-type footy.”