Five players to watch this TRL season
THE new season of the Toowoomba Rugby League brings excitement, as all teams fancy their chances of reigning supreme.
From young players making the step up to the top grade, through to returning players and even those coming out of retirement, the playing stocks amongst the 11 clubs has created an anticipation not experienced in years.
In no particular order, here are the top five players to keep an eye out for in 2018. TRAVIS BURNS (WATTLES)
The former NRL and Super League five-eighth returns home for a final swansong as a player after a stint in the Intrust Super Cup with Wynnum Manly.
Burns always played above his weight in the top flight of football, and his presence alongside Matt Duggan in the halves forms one of the most dangerous combinations in the TRL.
His running and passing game will be a key to the success of Wattles this season, as they look to continue their unfinished business from 2017. MATT GARDNER (GOONDIWINDI)
The Boars knew something needed to change after collecting the wooden spoon last year, and new signings have them on the right track.
Gardner brings years of Super League experience in the outside backs, and has tuned up with an outing for the Queensland Sapos in the Latin Heat Origin match earlier this month.
Goondiwindi are on the up this year, and the likes of Gardner, along with Tyrell McCullogh and Will Carter, is a big step towards a big year. MITCH WATSON (WARWICK)
It appears young Watson has got the nod over Craig Donn to start the year in the number one jersey for the Cowboys, a big show of faith by new coach Phil Economidis.
Watson was a star in the U18s campaign last year has been given the call up to Agrade along with Kai Etherington and Coen Martin-Brown.
Warwick know they have a good one at the back, and young Watson can make his impact felt as one of the best young talents at the top grade. MARK TOOKEY (OAKEY)
A signing that had the whole competition talking after the former Eels and Warriors enforcer put pen to paper with the Bears.
It could be argued that Tookey is in better shape than his playing days, and his leadership alone will make him one of the better buys of the TRL season.
Despite being named on the bench for Oakey’s opening fixture against Brothers, look for Tookey to set a platform in the front row as the Bears continue their rise from a rebuilding club to a finals contender in the coming years.
DYLAN CHOWN (VALLEYS)
Chown was a star at the back for the Valleys last year and a big reason why they were so dominant during the regular season.
With a number of big forwards in their pack, they’ll be counting on him to find open space from offloads and broken play.
The luxury of having a talent like Chown, who can float in and out of the backline, is a luxury for Valleys, and will go a long way to seeing them secure a top-two berth again this year.