DUO’S SPOT IN HISTORY
Valleys, Warwick flying high in the chase for TRL silverware
RUGBY LEAGUE: This year marks the first time four senior grades have contested the Toowoomba Rugby League, comprising of both men and women.
It also gives two teams of very different backgrounds, the Valleys Roosters and Warwick Cowboys, a spot in the history books.
The pair have managed the remarkable feat of qualifying all four teams for the finals, and we catch up with both as they look to bring home the silverware.
RUGBY LEAGUE: Success has often been a pillar for Valleys, and this year they’ll have their part in history.
Along with the Warwick Cowboys, the Roosters will field teams in the finals across all four grades in the Toowoomba Rugby League.
Their three men’s teams (A-grade, reserve grade and U18s) will be joined in the post-season by the open women in the inaugural year.
President Gary de Joux said the sides have represented the values of the club to perfection.
“We always strive to stick to our motto, which is ‘what we do we do well’,” de Joux said.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s in A-grade or women, reserves or U18s, that’s what we do.
“The women have done unbelievably well this year and developed into a very good team of football players.
“Their development throughout the year has been nothing short of amazing, and we’re thrilled to be a part of one of the largest growing segments in the game.
“We know they’ll acquit themselves well.”
Valleys have been faced with multiple injury concerns throughout the season.
It’s regularly forced players from U18s and reserve grade to step up to the top flight, and de Joux believes the culture of the club ensured their form didn’t slip.
“It’s our culture coming to the fore,” he said.
“We have lost quite a few players to long term injuries, and it’s basically been a case of next man up.
“Our U18s have developed tenfold from the start of the year. They’re a group of young lads that have turned into young men.
“The pinnacle is to win a premiership in any grade. We’re happy for our teams to be successful, and they’ve already done that.
“To finish as premiers would be the icing on the cake.”
For the Cowboys, president Dayne Barrett praised the coaching staff for being able to get the best out of the playing group.
“We’re stoked to have four teams in the finals,” Barrett said.
“The coaching staff has done a great job, and if the attitude in the club is right, it goes a long way to being successful. “The local community is getting right behind us and their support has been great.
“You always want to be quietly confident coming into these games, but we’re not getting ahead of ourselves and just taking it one game at a time.”
They also competed in the finals of the Border Rugby League in its return season, giving them five senior teams involved in post-seasons across the Downs.
THE FULL LIST OF TRL FINALS FIXTURES APPEARS ONLINE AT THECHRONICLE.COM.AU/SPORT