Big moments awaiting TRL
The top 10 fixtures to watch for in 2019
RUGBY LEAGUE: As anticipation builds for the return of rugby league, the Toowoomba Rugby League has announced fixtures for the upcoming 2019 season, which marks the 100th anniversary year of the TRL Premiership.
With a number of teams looking for a return to finals football and one team looking to stave off the challengers to go back-to-back, there are no shortage of blockbuster games on a weekly basis.
The Chronicle looks at the 10 fixtures throughout the 2019 season that will shape the make-up of the competition come finals time.
ROUND 1 - WARWICK VS WATTLES
One of the league’s great rivalries helps kick off the season at Father Ranger Oval on March 23.
While the Cowboys claimed the coveted Barrett Shield during last year’s pre-season, the Warriors extracted revenge in a tough 34-22 win in round nine.
This game is about more than bragging rights.
ROUND 1 - SOUTHS VS OAKEY
This shapes up as the most interesting clash of the opening round between two teams with plenty to play for.
Souths are determined to show they are on the improve after a horrid 2018, while Oakey is looking to take the next step and return to the finals picture.
ROUND 2 - WATTLES VS HIGHFIELDS
Highfields will have to sit the first round on the sidelines after being allocated the bye, so it’s fair to say they’ll be ready to run through walls when they head to Clifton to take on Wattles.
The Warriors had their number in a pair of key games towards the back end of last season, including a fiery preliminary final.
Mark this one down as a must attend.
ROUND 2 PITTSWORTH VS GATTON
Neither of these teams made the semis last year, and they’re not happy about it.
Pittsworth has added mastermind Phil Economidis to the fold, while Gatton can ride the momentum of a big finish to 2018.
Both will have this pencilled in as a win in what shapes as a cracker.
ROUND 4 - OAKEY VS VALLEYS
This game has the potential to make or break the Bears season at an early stage.
They stuck it to Valleys last year in the second round of the competition, and have the belief they can go better in 2019.
With a tough run following this however, a win would be a huge bonus.
ROUND 5 - VALLEYS VS WATTLES
Not much has been left unsaid about the battles Valleys and Wattles were able to put together in 2018.
For the neutral sitting in the stands, anything close to the precedent they were able to set last year makes this, as well as their round 17 match, potential game of the year candidates.
ROUND 5 HIGHFIELDS VS DALBY
The Diehards are a proud club, however they had their colours well and truly lowered when Highfields shut them out in last year’s elimination final.
That was as uncharacteristic a performance as you will see from Dalby, and this is their chance to make a statement in the opening rounds.
ROUND 6 GOONDIWINDI VS WARWICK
The Boars were one of the hard luck stories of 2018, going down in a number of close encounters, often falling short in the closing stages of games.
They were well in both of their contests against Warwick last season, and will feel they can produce the goods in front of their loyal fanbase.
ROUND 6 - VALLEYS VS SOUTHS
Southern Suburbs coach Liam Capewell returns to a familiar venue when his team travels to Herb Steinohrt Oval on May 12.
The former Valleys centre clashes with the Roosters for the first time since his defection in the off-season, and he’ll be eager to show how far the Tigers have come in the space of a few months.
ROUND 12 BROTHERS VS VALLEYS
The 100th year celebrations across the league kick into full swing in the month of June, and one of the significant weekends takes place on June 29 and 30.
Brothers host their 100 year dinner on Friday, before taking on fellow foundation club Valleys at Glenholme Park on Saturday evening.
Expect a big crowd to see if the Leprechauns can pull off the upset victory.