The 7 things learnt from TRL round 2
RUGBY LEAGUE: Contenders bounced back and some of the competition’s best stood up to be counted.
The second round of the TRL Premiership and open women’s competition again provided thrills.
As always, The Chronicle looks back at the seven things we learnt from the weekend’s games.
HIGHFIELDS FORWARDS UP TO THE CHALLENGE
The Eagles backline has received plenty of credit for their 2-0 start, but the forwards deserve praise for the platform they’ve laid.
They were incredibly strong in the middle in cold,
blustery conditions at Kuhls Rd, allowing the halves to work their magic.
It sets them up for a genuine blockbuster against Goondiwindi this weekend.
O’SULLIVAN THE KEY FOR PITTSWORTH
We saw glimpses of Tom O’Sullivan’s brilliance against Newtown as the Danes got on the board in 2021.
Pittsworth have the personnel to make a finals charge with some nice players across the board, but you get the feeling the 2019 Price-Webcke Medal winner will be their pivotal piece to getting there.
When he’s in form, the Danes lift a level.
VALLEYS HAVE SOMEHOW IMPROVED SINCE 2019
They’ve lost some serious firepower, but it’s hard to argue against the Roosters getting better since last seen in the TRL in 2019.
Coming into Dalby to take on a Diehards side buzzing after a big win over Wattles, Valleys left with another dominant win.
They’ve conceded eight points in two weeks against two top-four sides from 2019.
ARMSTRONG HAS THAT SPECIAL SOMETHING
In a league jam-packed with classy fullbacks, David Armstrong is asserting himself near the top of the ranks.
He was sublime for Goondiwindi against Brothers at the weekend, scoring four tries and stamping his authority on the contest.
His combination with
David McGrady is among the most exciting in the TRL.
COWBOYS FLYERS STAMP AUTHORITY
It was a good day to be a winger for Warwick, with Jake Speed and Tyrelle Ross combining for five tries against Oakey.
With the likes of Joe Fuimaono and Dylan Galloway in the centres, it’s fair to say the outside men will be seeing a lot of quality ball in open space throughout the season.
DUGGAN STILL THE MAESTRO
Matt Duggan gave a handy reminder that he’s among the best halfbacks in the competition with a complete performance against Gatton.
TRL media’s Andrew O’Brien described the Wattles
general as having the ball on a string, and it’s hard to argue.
Duggan played his part in the 10-try demolition to get the Warriors’ season back on track after last week’s stumble.
NEWTOWN WOMEN CONTINUE TO BUILD CHEMISTRY
The Newtown women bounced back from a tight round one loss to Gatton in style, keeping Pittsworth scoreless at the Jack Martin Centre.
There were noticeable improvements from that first game, and it’s clear to see the chemistry building among the talented roster.
Look for them to keep on that trajectory in the coming weeks.