Wattles prepare for massive TRL challenge
RUGBY LEAGUE: Wattles are currently in the midst of their most testing period of the season, as they face five premiership contenders in the space of six weeks.
Despite a heavily-depleted side going down to Valleys last week, player-coach Travis Burns said his side had no excuses when they host the unbeaten Dalby Diehards at Platz Oval tomorrow.
“It’s going to be a good gauge of where we’re really at,” Burns said.
“We are nearly full strength this weekend so there are no excuses why we can’t put in a good effort against a red-hot Dalby, who are premiership favourites.
“We’re worried about our own backyard and what we need to do to play better.
“There are things we need to improve on, and the results will be there.”
Tomorrow they will welcome back the services of the Duggan brothers and Jake Hargreaves, and Burns said their presence would be a big bonus.
“You take two of the best players out of any side in the TRL and they’re going to be a different side,” he said.
“Key players mean so much to you, in terms of scoring plays and defence. Jake Hargreaves has been playing injured and is finally fit.”
While the immediate focus is on tomorrow’s big encounter, Burns realised the importance of picking up wins during the next two months, with games against Highfields, Pittsworth and Warwick coming up.
“It’s massive to pick up a few wins (against these sides) and it gives you confidence when you get quality wins,” he said.
“We eventually have to beat those sides. The next month will be a big test to where we are at as a team.”