Toowoomba Rugby League Round 7 game-by-game preview for this weekend's matches.
Goondiwindi v Gatton at Goondiwindi 6.30pm Saturday
Goondiwindi have been disappointing so far this season, but they are still turning up. Both Cookie and I believe they have the cattle like Ronnie David and Callum Skinner as well as Adam and Tim Tribe to turn around this season.
Coach Matt Galvin found out the hard way when his side lost handsomely against Brothers in their only other home game this year. They will be looking to improve in front of their home game and make amends for that performance.
Gatton Hawks have been going along nicely and probably have the best forward pack in the competition, if they turn up. It seems that if their forward pack get momentum then Callum Woolacott, Steve Franciscus and Alex Ambia can capitalise.
The Hawks should account for the Boars.
Valleys v Dalby at Pillar Street 6.30pm Saturday
This game will be interesting. Valleys have had two weeks off after their crushing win against Goondiwindi. Dalby were far too good for Goondiwindi last round so both teams are coming off playing the Boars.
Valleys have a spring in their step after that win and two weeks freshening up period, while Dalby are coming off the largest win in recent TRL seasons. Valleys will be at home and Dalby haven’t travelled that well this year. Irrespective, I expect Dalby to take the two points as they will be at full strength.
Pittsworth v Highfields at Club Pittsworth Sunday 2.30pm
The match of the round. Both teams have played well this season and this game should be a cracker. Pittsworth have really surprised but they have only played Gatton and Dalby. They are yet to meet Warwick, Souths and Highfields to date.
This game is a real acid test for them and they are playing Highfields who are coming off a loss they should have won against Warwick last round.
Highfields really let the game against the Cowboys get away from them. They will be champing at the bit to make amends and return to the winners circle against the Danes.
The forward pack should cancel themselves out whereas, I believe it will be the battle of the halves to decide this contest. Highfields by a whisker on the back of the Lee brothers.
Brothers v Wattles at Brothers Junior Field Sunday 2.30pm
A battle of the halves for mine. Michael Witt V Jason Wilmott. Both have been their respective sides’ best players this year. Witt really stood up against Oakey last round after a frustrating loss against Gatton the week before. He kicked three 40/20s against the Bears and Wattles will need to be weary. Wilmott’s kicking game is not far behind Witt’s but very effective all the same.
Wattles have Dale Perkins, Nick Morris and Brendan Wilson doubtful. Whilst Brothers should have just about their full complement of players available. Rob Celvin returns after a few weeks on the sideline whilst Nick Patterson and Callum Haines also return.
Brothers would not want to let their guard down against Wattles especially with a tough draw to follow in the next few weeks.
Wattles have a young pack with plenty of enthusiasm whilst Brothers have a sprinkle of experience and speed with the Cochrane cousins. That mix should see Brothers get across the line.
Souths v Oakey at Clive Berghofer Stadium 2.30pm Sunday
Souths should take care of Oakey in the Hutchies Match of the Round this week. The last two rounds have been disappointing for the Bears especially after showing some early fight this season.
Daniel Holmes will return after a huge head clash last round whilst Corey Blades will be looking at continuing his try scoring spree at Roma last weekend.
It’s a long season ahead for Oakey Coach Jason Boney. His team has shone glimpses of form this year. Hopefully, they can make a game of it.
Souths too strong for mine!!
