The TRL player watch-list
Five key players to keep an eye on
THE diversity of the Toowoomba Rugby League is what makes it such a must-watch competition.
From young guns making their way through the grades to former NRL and state-league talent giving back to the game, there is no shortage of stars.
In no particular order, here are five players who are set to light up the TRL Premiership in 2019.
DANIEL JENNINGS (GATTON)
One of the most explosive outside backs in the competition, Jennings’ finish to the season in 2018 was simply breathtaking.
He put some of the best centres in the competition on notice with his explosive ballrunning and the ability to create something out of nothing.
That ability was on full show against the likes of last year’s grand finalists Valleys and Wattles, which resulted in Gatton claiming a win over the premiers and a one-point loss to the Warriors.
The prospect of Hayden Lipp and Luke Nolen linking up with Jennings is a daunting thought for any outside back in the competition.
DYLAN HAAIJER (OAKEY)
Last season was when Dylan Haaijer put his enormous potential to work, and it resulted in a breakout year for the back rower.
On the back of ruthless defence and a no-fear attitude with ball in hand, Haaijer was a major reason for Oakey’s vast improvement in 2018.
He will again need to be at his best as the Bears look to throw their hat in the finals ring.
Being named in the centres for the season opener, it remains to be seen if he will remain there or move to the back row.
Whatever the case, Oakey needs to ensure he sees plenty of the ball.
HARRY SULLIVAN (WARWICK)
There’s still plenty of time for this young man to develop into a full-time first grader, but on what we saw last year, he is more than capable of handling the rise in class.
Playing a handful of games in the top grade in 2018, Sullivan worked tremendously well alongside brother Ben, who played out the season at halfback.
Where Harry fits into the picture remains unclear with Ben moving back to the hooking role, and the likes of Paul Cantwell, Jamie Abbas and Coedie Tandy fighting out for positions in the halves, but one thing is for certain, he will have an impact however he is used.
MICHAEL MARSHALL (WATTLES)
After a season with the Cowboys in 2018, Marshall joins arch-rivals Wattles this year.
There’s no doubting that Marshall has some of the biggest shoes to fill in terms of offseason replacements as he takes over their reins from 2018 Price-Webcke Medal winner Jackson Green.
Marshall has the runs on the board, however, and an impressive showing in the Barrett Shield gives an early indication that he can handle the pressure associated with the jersey, as well as playing alongside quality halves Travis Burns and Matt Duggan.
If the trio can click, there’s no telling what the ceiling for Wattles can be.
MARK OFFERDAHL (GOONDIWINDI)
Bringing an elite resume to the Toowoomba Rugby League, Offerdahl adds the start factor Goondiwindi has desperately needed.
The captain-coach of the Boars boasts 83 games in England for North Wales, London, Oxford and Sheffield, as well as featuring in two World Cup campaigns for the United States.
This homecoming, along with a host of new additions, has propelled the Boars right into finals calculations. Look for Offerdahl to terrorise the fringes of defensive lines.