LEAGUE IS BACK: Rugby action returns to Toowoomba
Toowoomba’s first taste of competitive senior rugby league since February is finally here.
Toowoomba Sports Ground plays host to round six of the Volunteers Cup today, with three clubs flying the flag for the TRL in a trio of fixtures against Ipswichbased opposition.
Gatton gets the afternoon underway as they take on Norths, with Southern Suburbs rounding out the day against West End, who they defeated in the opening round of the competition.
The main event is wedged right in the middle of the program however, with unbeaten Ipswich side Goodna taking on defending TRL premiers Valleys.
The Roosters are full of confidence on the back of four-straight wins, and are looking for revenge against a well-drilled Eagles outfit.
“We’re looking to turn up, play well and give a good account of ourselves,” coach Matt Schulze said.
“We played pretty well against them (in round one) up until halftime. We’ve taken a lot of improvement since then.
“We’ve been slowly building up and adding to our squad. We’ll take confidence from that first half, but we know they’re a better side from then, so it’s going to be tough.”
Valleys led Goodna at halftime in their first clash this season before a late comeback denied them a win.
The Roosters will feature a new-look side from that outing, with the addition of Gerome Burns, Hnaloan Budden, Brock Diment, Josh Chappell and Jordan Drew among others to come into the fold.
Schulze said he has been paying close attention to the Eagles in recent times, and hopes their additions can prove the difference.
“I’ve watched them a fair bit over the last couple of weeks and the way they’ve played,” he said.
“They’ve brought in some inclusions, and we know to an extent what they’ll be able to do, but knowing what’s coming and being able to stop it are two different things.
“It brings a lot of confidence to the group having those guys join the group.”
FIXTURES
Gatton vs Norths at 1.30pm; Valleys vs Goodna at 3.30pm; Southern Suburbs vs West End at 5.30pm. Games at Toowoomba Sports Ground today.