The Chronicle

Teams showing size matters

- SEAN TEUMA sean.teuma@news.com.au

RUGBY LEAGUE: The ladder leaders continued their sizzling run of form, as a familiar face sends out a warning shot.

From a bumper round five, these are the seven things we learnt from the Toowoomba Rugby League.

VALLEYS SIZE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

I can’t recall seeing a Valleys side with so much size across the park, and it’s paying dividends for the Roosters.

With a hulking forward pack bolstered by the additions of James Maila and James Tutuila and the Cocker brothers in the centres, opposition defences don’t get a chance to catch their breath.

DANES CAN MATCH IT WITH THE BIG GUNS

Pittsworth could realistica­lly be coming into round six with a 4-1 record.

They’ve had one of the tougher runs to start the season and have put themselves in positions to beat Dalby, Warwick and Gatton, but have stumbled at the last hurdle.

A late Haydan Lipp field goal denied them at the weekend, and it’s time for the Danes to convert these strong displays into wins.

NO STOPPING YOUNG FLYERS

Matt Christense­n and David Armstrong are two of the most exciting young players to watch in the game. They’ve both surpassed double digits for tries already this season, and are doing it in extraordin­ary fashion.

Christense­n’s developmen­t from 2019 to now has been particular­ly impressive. He’s grown into a key part of a gun Wattles backline.

GILBERT OVAL A FORTRESS

Goondiwind­i made it two wins from as many games at Gilbert Oval against quality teams, Highfields and Warwick.

The travel factor is one advantage the Boars have for their home games, and both the club and fans have done a great job to make it an imposing place to try and win.

BOYD ADDS BITE TO STARTING PACK

Dalby makes no secret that its forward pack is one of its major strengths, and the addition of Josh Boyd to the starting 13 enhances that.

He’s been explosive in the fortnight since being promoted to a starter, scoring seven tries in two games, and providing genuine headaches for the opposition.

BETROS THE KEY FOR BROTHERS

This Brothers team will go as far as halfback and co-captain Sam Betros takes them.

I believe they’re at their best when he’s controllin­g the show and allowed to dictate terms.

He showed that on Sunday against Oakey, providing them with a real spark that could just help to kickstart their season.

GATTON SHOWS ITS FIREPOWER

The Hawks claimed two tight wins to start the women’s competitio­n, before backing it up with a big win over Pittsworth at the weekend.

What was most impressive was their forward pack, which possesses the golden duo of size and mobility.

You’d be a brave person to tip against them in the coming weeks.

 ??  ?? HARD TO STOP: Brett Seymour adds size to a big Valleys forward pack that is proving hard to contain in the TRL Premiershi­p. Picture: Kevin Farmer
HARD TO STOP: Brett Seymour adds size to a big Valleys forward pack that is proving hard to contain in the TRL Premiershi­p. Picture: Kevin Farmer

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