Five things learnt from finals week 1
The first week of the TRL Premiership finals series is done and dusted.
Warwick was sent packing by Highfields, and Valleys set up a grand final qualifier blockbuster against rivals Wattles.
From a blustery Sunday at Glenholme Park, here are the five major talking points.
SEYMOUR WINS IN STORE FOR VALLEYS
Valleys coach Brett Seymour wasn’t expecting to be lacing up the boots this season, but with the injury toll his side has gone through, he answered the SOS.
The 123-game NRL veteran showed why he is never to be underestimated, turning in a fantastic all-round display with the ball and in defence to provide a real spark and lift the Roosters to victory.
With an in-form Seymour alongside one of the league’s best in Cory McGrady, you’d be brave to write their season off.
DING DING: RETURN BOUT LOOMS
I don’t think anyone is complaining about another Wattles and Valleys encounter that is dawning on us this weekend.
Let’s ignore their first clash which was plagued with player absences and focus on the next two.
Valleys pulled a rabbit out of the hat in the Madsen Rasmussen Trophy final when scoring three tries in the last 11 minutes to snatch victory.
But it is Wattles who come in with the momentum, after overturning a 16-point deficit to finish over the top of Valleys in round 15.
The Warriors have remained unbeaten since that loss in round four to the Roosters and will come in as favourites, but the last fortnight from Valleys indicates we are in for another cracker.
EAGLES SHOWING UP WHERE IT COUNTS
When injuries struck Highfields midway through the season, it felt like this season could be another case of deja vu, where they would make the finals before exiting early.
This team had other plans, however, determined to make a run against the big names in the competition.
They were able to break the shackles against the league’s best defensive side and pile on five tries against Warwick on Sunday.
Their prowess lies with the ball in hand, and they certainly have the ability to prevail if their clash against Dalby turns into a shootout.
DON’T DISCOUNT DALBY JUST YET
They may have been defeated, but the Diehards were far from disgraced against Valleys, and the 12-point margin wasn’t a fair indication of how close they were.
Their composure waned at key stages in the second half, as their comeback ultimately fell short.
But they aren’t out of the running by any stretch, and their forward pack remains one of the best out of the four teams remaining.
DOES IT REALLY FEEL LIKE FINALS?
It was a different feel on Sunday with finals football played at Glenholme Park.
On the one hand the change of venue lacked a big-game feel being away from Clive Berghofer Stadium.
Admittedly the atmosphere at the ground was a good one for the Warwick and Highfields encounter, but it would’ve only been amplified at the bigger stadium.
Time will tell how the rest of the finals pans out, and the best indication will be in three weeks on grand final day how crowds respond to the move.
One thing is for certain, let’s hope the win takes a backseat to the on-field action in the coming weeks.