We are certainly in the thick of it at the moment as each game means heaps to each team this weekend.
Pittsworth v Gatton and Highfields v Wattles are the games to watch this weekend and are set to be of high quality.
ROUND 17 FIXTURES
Dalby Diehards v Goondiwindi Boars
6.30pm Saturday, July 29
Dalby Leagues Club
Dalby were bitterly disappointed losing to Highfields last weekend, but were brilliant in the first half.
If they can duplicate that for the whole match than they will return to giving the premiership a real shake.
Goondiwindi will be formidable opponents, but motivating troops this late in the season to make the trip to Dalby is a task within itself.
Coach Scott Schultz has done a good job this year and will do everything within his power to have a team that plays with pride this weekend.
The Diehards will be focussed to pile on the points against the Boars and a win will all but secure a top two spot, especially with for and against.
I'm tipping Dalby to bounce back in this contest.
Pittsworth Danes v Gatton Hawks
7pm Saturday, July 29
Club Pittsworth
This match will give us a good indication of form going into the finals.
Injuries are starting to effect Pittsworth and I am going to say they will be going into this match as slight underdogs as a result.
Gatton were good against Highfields a couple of weeks ago and are fresh from the bye.
They are peaking at the right time and will come to play this weekend.
Valleys were fresh last round after the bye and the Hawks are expected to win on the back of their timely weekend off.
The Obee and Cookie Call will be live from 5.30pm.
Oakey Bears v Brothers Leprechauns
2.30pm Sunday, July 30
Trevor Mickleborough Oval
This is an interesting game with spots up for grabs going into next season in both clubs.
I see the Bears and the Brethren really going at it this weekend and I suggest each will be looking for that elusive win.
I haven’t seen much of Oakey this season, but my spies tell me they are well coached and enthusiastic.
Brothers should be better off returning from the bye and will be fresh.
They will also have plenty of enthusiasm and show they have had plenty of fun.
It will be close, but it’s Oakey at home in my tips.
Highfields Eagles v Wattles Warriors
Hutchies Match of the Round
2.30pm Sunday, July 30
Kuhls Road Recreation Centre
This match will give us another measure of two teams contending for the finals.
A win for Highfields will have more significance for Wattles, whereas a win for Wattles will most likely see a finals berth.
Both teams are coming off impressive last start victories and a win will give them an advantage in the coming weeks.
Nick Bainbridge and Jarrod Lee combined really well last week whilst every game that Matt Duggan plays, Wattles gain confidence.
This will be a beauty of a game and I am backing Wattles as they are coming off a bye and have been winning both halves in their recent games.
The Obee and Cookie Call will be live from 1.30pm.
Valleys Roosters v Warwick Cowboys
2.30pm Sunday, July 30
Herb Steinohrt Oval
I just don’t think that Valleys are going to have it all their own way in this match.
My spies tell me that Warwick will have their strongest team on the paddock this round.
The Cowboys have had a disruptive season and their bout of the flu has really rocked the whole club but in good news, I believe they are flu-free and ready to go.
Their season is on the line and have more to play for than the competition leaders, Valleys.
Still, it’s Valleys in my tips, who were clinical against the Tigers last round.
They had all hands on deck and were very impressive with their speed in attack as they have so many options.
It should be a close game!
Follow all of the Round 17 action on the Toowoomba Rugby League website.
