Five things learnt from round 17 of the TRL
Two blockbuster contests headlined a super Sunday of TRL Premiership action, providing more storylines to an incredible season.
Wattles secured the minor premiership with a commanding 20-point defeat of Dalby, and Warwick continued Valleys’ form slump with a tight victory at Herb Steinohrt Oval.
From another actionpacked weekend, here are the five talking points from round 17:
WATTLES THE TEAM TO BEAT
Dalby would’ve taken this title had Sunday’s result been different, but the dominant nature of Wattles has them as clear premiership favourites now.
They have won 11 straight games and defeated every team in the competition during this run.
Perhaps the most impressive part of the streak has been the side’s form with ball in hand, averaging more than 40 points throughout their 11 victories.
DALBY NOT OUT
This close to the finals, you could be forgiven for dropping the Diehards down a few pegs as premiership contenders.
While it was a disappointing effort in front of their home fans, you can’t underestimate the juggernaut they came up against on Sunday.
They now have a week off before their major semi-final in a fortnight’s time, and with a few niggling injuries, it just might be what the doctor ordered.
Derek Brady will have his team ready to fire when the whips are cracking.
HIGHFIELDS GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY
Results have fallen in their favour over the past few weeks, and now the Eagles can seal a top-three birth with a win this weekend.
Valleys’ loss to Warwick means Highfields’ doublechance destiny is in their own hands.
It won’t be easy as it will require them ending Wattles’ golden run, but this just could be the game they need to make a real statement to the rest of the top-five.
VALLEYS JUST HANGING IN
It was spoken about last week, and yet another loss has left the Roosters in a state of limbo approaching the finals.
Just a few weeks back they looked likely to take out the minor premiership, and now they are relying on results to claim a top-three spot.
You’d struggle to name a squad more impacted by key injuries over the course of their three-game losing run, but now is the time for their fringe stars to show why they deserve a spot during the finals.
WARWICK’S NEEDED WIN
Speaking of top-three chances, the Cowboys aren’t completely out of the race either.
It wasn’t a focus of coach Phil Economidis heading into their round 17 clash, more so looking to maintain form heading into the important stage of the competition.
Sunday’s win was significant in more ways than one, giving the Cowboys their third win from seven games against fellow top-five opposition. It provides a huge confidence boost for the side.