Five things learnt from TRL round 14
RUGBY LEAGUE: As teams jostle for vital positions on the TRL ladder, the top-three race became clearer, while top-five spots remain wide open.
Wattles, Valleys and Warwick opened up a three-point buffer between fourth, in what could prove vital come finals time.
These are the top five takeaways from round 14 of the TRL Premiership.
DALBY’S FORM AGAINST TOP SIDES A WORRY
The Diehards have been struck by injuries at the worst time of the season, but what is just as alarming is their record against top-five sides.
In six games against teams currently in line for a final spot, the Diehards have just one win and one draw.
A key stretch against Warwick and Valleys could’ve seen them cement a crucial topthree berth, however back-toback losses have all but ended that possibility.
After the bye they face a tough task when travelling to Goondiwindi, in a game which could see the Boars overtake them.
WEEK OFF COMING IN HANDY
Five teams will come into a bye round this weekend, and I don’t think any will be too deterred by that.
Wattles in particular, despite finding themselves in a hot patch of form, will appreciate a breather after a couple of high intensity games in succession.
Another team that will relish the week off is Oakey, who showed a lot of improvement against Warwick at home.
DANES DOWN IN THE DUMPS
It hasn’t been a strong year on the field for Pittsworth, with just three wins for the season.
With major player departures and injuries in key positions, the Danes were always going to be up against the odds, and their latest defeat to Brothers was a tough one to take.
A major highlight will come their way this weekend however, as their game against Highfields serves as a curtain raiser to the Intrust Super Cup fixture between Souths Logan and Redcliffe.
BROTHERS FIND A FORWARD REVELLATION
How good has Mitch Revell been going for Brothers in 2019?
His presence has added a massive spark to the Leprechauns forward pack, and he has shown tremendous ability on both sides of the ball.
He knows how to find his way over the try-line as well, coming up with a hat-trick against the Danes at the weekend.
TRY SCORING TITLE A DONE DEAL
Braydon Wilson’s double against Southern Suburbs took him to 23 tries for the season.
For those playing at home, that averages out to just under 1.8 tries per contest for the classy winger.
He has now opened up a nine-try advantage over Goondiwindi’s David Armstrong and Dylan Chown of Valleys, and despite the prowess these two possess, it’s safe to call the title Wilson’s for 2019.
Wilson is no stranger to the try-line, with hauls of 19 over the past two seasons.