Prestige on line in MadsenRasmussen Trophy game
RUGBY LEAGUE: Toowoomba Rugby League prestige is on the line tomorrow afternoon when Valleys and Wattles battle it out for the Madsen-Rasmussen Trophy.
They have been the two standout teams of 2018, with Valleys hoping to win back-toback trophies, and Wattles enjoying a resurgent year.
Warriors player-coach Travis Burns said his side would embrace the underdog tag heading into the fixture.
“Valleys are going into the game as favourites being on top of the ladder, the only side to beat us and with the players they’ve got,” Burns said.
“Having home-ground advantage helps. They have a few things in their favour but we’re only worried about our side and putting in a good effort.
“Cory McGrady and Dylan Chown are two exciting players for the TRL, so we will try and nullify their attack this week.”
Valleys took out the only encounter between the sides with a rousing 34-12 win back in round four.
Wattles were missing Matt and Ryan Duggan, Jackson Green, Mitch Koina and Ty Gardner on that occasion, with all five named to play tomorrow.
While the big names are expected to make an impact, Burns paid tribute to the young brigade at the club, including U20s Clydesdales representatives Will O’Grady, Andrew Richardson and Nick van der Poel.
“My young players this year have been exceptional,” he said.
“Will over the last month has shown how good a player he is. Andrew and Nick are two exciting outside backs and to have players of that calibre is great for the competition.
“I want to see them at Wattles for the next 10 years.”
After taking out last year’s mid-season title and failing to advance to the grand final, coach Brett Seymour said the focus for Valleys was on trying to take down Wattles’ best side.
“We haven’t put too much emphasis on getting there. There was a fair bit last year,” Seymour said.
“Obviously it’s going to be a good game at our home ground.
“The last time we played Wattles they didn’t have their main troops. So it will be a challenge and one the boys are looking forward to.
“They are a classy team. They’ve recruited well. Ryan Duggan and Travis Burns have got them in the right direction. They won’t beat themselves.”
Winger Aaron Silitoe will miss this week’s game after going down with an injury last week to Gatton, with U18s player Zac Miles stepping into the role.
VALLEYS: 1. Dylan Chown, 2. Matt Hawkins, 3. Liam Capewell, 4. Kalemb Hart, 5. Zac Miles, 23. Hugh Sedger, 7. Cory McGrady, 8. Steve Rodgers, 9. Nathan Bowering, 10. Dexter Buchanan, 11. Jason Sharpe, 12. Hnaloan Budden, 13. Nick Sargent, 14. Robert Trott, 15. Nathan Short, 17. Malik Brown, 6. Matt Rose, 18. Bulla Ashby-Kaukau, 20. Joshua Rose. WATTLES: 1. Jackson Green, 2. Andrew Richardson, 3. Nick Van Der Poel, 4. Jake Hargreaves, 5. Braydon Wilson, 6. Travis Burns, 7. Matt Duggan, 8. Michael Pearson, 9. Liam Ross, 10. Dale Perkins, 11. Mitch Koina, 12. Ty Gardner, 13. Ryan Duggan, 20. Will O'Grady, 16. Nathan Gaulton, 17. Jason Wilson, 22. Dylan Wilson. HEAD TO HEAD: Valleys (1st 9 wins 1 loss + 200). Wattles (2nd - 9 wins 1 loss +139) Attack: Valleys 2nd (368 points, 36.8ppg), Wattles 6th (337 points, 33.7ppg). Defence: Valleys equal 1st (168 points conceded, 16.8ppg), Wattles 4th (198 points, 19.8ppg)