This competition is precariously poised with clubs like Brothers needing early season points and clubs such as Gatton, Warwick, Souths and Wattles will be wanting to come out of this weekend’s matches 2-1 rather than 1-2. I expect the games tis weekend to be wet affairs this weekend which is a great leveller, so look for some close games this weekend.
Warwick Cowboys v Dalby Diehards
6.30pm Saturday 1 April
Father Ranger Oval Warwick
While both teams are coming off convincing wins last week, it is difficult to truly assess the form of the teams at this early stage of the competition as the Cowboys lost to the Danes in the first round following Dalby's bye in Round 1. That game was scrappy given it was the initial round. Same can be said for Dalby as their game with Gatton was the same … just ask the coach!
Both teams’ defence was excellent though, so this should be a great game. I am looking forward to the Galloway v Blades clash. They are both great players in their own right.
There is an old saying … “If in doubt, go the home side” so I’ll back Warwick by a whisker!
Wattles Warriors v Oakey Bears
6.30pm Saturday 1 April
Platz Oval Clifton
The Bears will take solace from Goondiwindi’s performance last week. I suggest there were some choice discussions over the last two weeks in the Oakey camp. I was critical of their discipline last week and I hope they can turn things around after a lot of soul searching.
Wattles have announced their arrival on this year’s scene and will be thinking they can get the points against Oakey.
The weather you would think will be something coach Dolan will be using to his advantage.
It’s still Wattles for mine, but I’m expecting an improved showing from Oakey.
Gatton Hawks v Toowoomba Valleys
6.30pm Saturday 1 April
Cahill Sporting Complex Gatton
A week is a long time in rugby league and Hawks coach Nicki-John Harch did not seemed too fazed that his team couldn’t bounce back.
Valleys had a little bit of a wakeup call against Brothers last week when they were up 22-6 and saw themselves trailing midway through the second half.
Coach Seymour will be pleased with his team’s reaction, but he still had 28 points scored against him compared to the previous week.
Again, it will be wet and the team that holds the ball the most will win this game.
I’m tipping Gatton to bounce back.
The Obee and Cookie Call will be live from 5.30pm.
Goondiwindi Boars v Southern Suburbs Tigers
2.30pm Sunday, April 2
Gilberts Oval Goondiwindi
I love “feel good” stories. That game for Goondiwindi last week was so refreshing for the competition. Let’s not forget they put themselves within a sniff of victory. Human habit urges for more, but the Boars still need to play footy and will have a huge home crowd to please.
Souths on the other hand were better last week and coach Holmes and captain Nolan have something to work with. The Tigers this year won’t die wondering, yet they have had 60 points scored against them in the last two games.
I have not seen the Boars yet this season but as above, I’m tipping the Boars to win their first game of the season.
Toowoomba Brothers v Pittsworth Danes
Hutchies Match of the Round
2.30pm Sunday, April 2
Glenhome Park Toowoomba
Coach Brackstone will know this is the premiers’ third tough game in a row. These teams drew in the off season and I expect this game to be just as close given the expected weather.
Pittsworth are the “Melbourne Storm” of the competition as their mistake rate is always low. Brothers like to throw the ball around, but at times their ball security is poor. Coach Liam Cullen will be mindful of this and I can assure you he will be drilling his troops about this all week leading up to this game.
Nothing has changed in my mind that the Danes are still the benchmark of the competition and that goes back to the All Stars game. It will take a very disciplined Brothers side to overcome the Premiers. A worthy match of the round, but I’m tipping the Danes to continue their winning ways.
The Obee and Cookie Call will be live from 1:30pm.
Follow all of the Round 3 action on the Toowoomba Rugby League website.
