Bears are back in town
Oakey’s win brings a surge of life to Bears
RUGBY LEAGUE: It was a performance that made people in the TRL take notice, and one that could end the dark days at the Oakey Bears.
At the weekend they held their home turf, defeating Gatton 30-14, and Andrew O’Brien from At The Footy with Obee
and Cookie said it was a seasondefining victory.
“It’s a very significant win as far as the season is concerned, and is one of the most significant of the past few years,” O’Brien said.
“It’s such an injection to the TRL with Oakey and Goondiwindi being very competitive.
“It is still a long season, and they have a tough game against Goondiwindi this weekend.
“Andrew Hoggart is there now and he sounds like a quality addition, which will be another test for Oakey.”
O’Brien said one of the biggest inclusions for Oakey has been that of former NRL front rower Mark Tookey.
“His impact is immeasurable,” he said.
“Mark’s not only a former NRL player, but a very good communicator and mentor.
“What he brings to the young players is common sense, maturity, patience and belief.”
For the upcoming weekend, O’Brien was looking ahead to a grudge match of sorts, with Valleys out for revenge against Pittsworth.
“There is unfinished business for Valleys. Pittsworth kicked them out in the preliminary final last year,” he said.
“They went out of the competition after they were minor premiers and without a loss for a long period of time.
“They come up against a full-strength Pittsworth who welcome back Mitch Carpenter. It should be an absolute ripper.”
Another key match-up is Highfields hosting Wattles, a side O’Brien was particularly impressed with on the weekend.
“Their first half was the best half of footy all year when they put 28 on the defending premiers,” he said.
“Wattles were very good, and it only confirms the competition has really stepped up.
“Highfields lost their first game to Warwick, and they’ll have something to prove on Sunday.”
With the Clydesdales side named, O’Brien called on those chosen to rise to the next level.
“We have to win it well to convince Central Crows selectors,” he said.
“The message needs to go out not to pick the team before the tournament starts. It’s important because it got under my skin last year.
“Players are going to have to go to another level, because it is going to be hard work to win, with the quality of the tournament going up a step.”