Rivals set for TRL showdown
RUGBY LEAGUE: They’ve produced two of the TRL Premiership’s memorable encounters in 2018, and they’re ready to complete the trilogy.
A grand final spot is on the line when Wattles take on Valleys in the qualifying final at Glenholme Park tonight, and expectations are again high for another thriller.
The first came in the Madsen Rasmussen Trophy final, where the Warriors looked poised to claim the season’s first silverware, before the Roosters overturned a 22-8 in the final 11 minutes of the game to snatch a famous victory.
With both sides tied at the top of the ladder heading into their round 15 encounter, Valleys were in a prime position to move into outright first when leading 16-0, however they were unable to hold off Wattles, who stormed home in the second half to record a 24-16 win, ultimately claiming the minor premiership.
Wattles halfback Matt Duggan has been critical to his side recording a 15-1 regular season record, and he is confident his side won’t be flat despite having last weekend off.
“Our preparation has been good and I think everybody is available for selection,” Duggan said.
“We should have our best side out there so there is no excuses, and we should be ready to go.
“The team has trained well over the last month and the intensity has picked up over the last month.
“We have played better footy over this time, and after a week off and a freshen up we should put in a good performance.”
Being no strangers to tonight’s opponents, Duggan said he expects the Roosters to come out firing with such high stakes on the line.
“We know Valleys will be extremely tough. They beat us in the Madsen Rasmussen and had us down 16-0 at Platz Oval,” he said.
“We’re also confident that if we can play to our potential we can win. I think what it comes down to is controlling the footy and defending well. That will go a long way towards winning.
“We have a few players who can win a game when it’s in the balance. Travis (Burns) and Jackson (Green) have been playing dynamite. We have strike players all over the field that if we need something in the last 10 minutes, they can come up with it.”
TEAM LISTS
WATTLES: 1. Jackson Green, 2. Andrew Richardson, 3. Jake Hargreaves, 4. Nick Van der Poel, 5. Braydon Wilson, 6. Travis Burns, 7. Matt Duggan, 8. Mitchell Duff, 9. Liam Ross, 10. Dale Perkins, 11. Ryan Duggan, 12. Ty Gardner, 13. Mitch Koina. 14. Mark Gordon, 15. Michael Pearson, 17. Nathan Gaulton, 23. Dylan Wilson, 18. Will O’Gradey. VALLEYS: 1. Dylan Chown, 2. Matt Hawkins, 3. Jarryd Dodd, 4. Kalemb Hart, 5. Zac Miles, 6. Jake Ryals, 7. Cory McGrady, 8. Steve Rodgers, 9. Nathan Bowering, 10. Dexter Buchanan, 11. Hugh Sedger, 12. Hnaloan Budden, 13. Nick Sargent. 14. Richard Murray, 16. Drew Jackson, 17. Mitch Sargent, 20. Nathan Short, 22. Ben Atkins, 23. Brett Seymour