Five things learnt from TRL round 16
RUGBY LEAGUE: As we inch closer to the TRL finals series, a super Sunday of league action saw two teams have their finals placed on life support.
At the other end of the finals spectrum, the results at the weekend ensured what should be a winner-take-all battle for the minor premiership.
These are the five talking points from round 16 of the TRL Premiership.
SUPER SUNDAY DOESN’T FAIL TO DELIVER
How good were the three games of action on Sunday?
All went right down to the wire, with high stakes associated with each game.
Dalby fought hard to all-but ensure it will play finals footy against a Goondiwindi side battling to stay in the top-five, Gatton kept its hopes alive and virtually ended those of Southern Suburbs in the process, and Highfields moved out from last, resigning Brothers to the same fate as Souths.
DALBY RESUSES TO SAY DIE
The Diehards lived up to their name in Goondiwindi. They just refused to stay down.
With key troops missing and finding themselves down on the scoreboard with less than 20 minutes remaining after a long road trip, they could’ve shut up shop and set their sights on next round.
They continued to stay in the hunt, and were rewarded as Blake Mara dove across the line to all-but ensure they take fourth spot.
TOP-TWO DO THEIR PART
August 3 has been circled in the diary for a number of weeks now as the date that should determine who takes out top spot.
Both Valleys and Wattles have done their bit in remaining undefeated since the start of the second half of the season, meaning Saturday night’s fixture will feature high stakes, and a likely first week off.
I refuse to say certainly, because while a Valleys win ensures they take out top, Wattles still has to beat Goondiwindi on the road in the last round, or hope Gatton can overcome Valleys in round 18.
HIGHFIELDS MOVE FROM LAST
It’s been a long-time coming, but Highfields broke its winless run with a gritty win over Brothers.
They left it until late in the piece, however they were able to secure their first win since May 12, relegating Oakey to last position in the process.
As it stands, three teams are looking to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon.
Pittsworth currently is in the box seat on four wins ahead of Highfields and Oakey on three, however with the Danes having just one match remaining, a loss to the Bears will put them under severe pressure.
POINT SCORING RACE TIGHTENS
While Braydon Wilson has the try-scoring title all wrapped up, the race for the top point-scorer will come down to the wire.
Currently Wattles halfback Matt Duggan leads with 130, just two points ahead of Valleys centre Dwayne Duncan.
Duncan has held kicking duties for the season for the Roosters, while Duggan has been interchanging with Travis Burns of late.
If nothing more, it adds another level of competition between the two rivals.