Toowoomba Rugby League QRL Correspondent Andrew O’Brien previews Round 3 of the Hutchinson Builders TRL competition.
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Warwick Cowboys v Goondiwindi Boars
8.30pm Friday, April 6
Father Ranger Oval, Warwick
The Boars had a good crack at Wattles and Warwick beat Highfields in the first round, but then got soundly beaten by Dalby in the second round - so the Boars should win this game, right?
This competition is so unpredictable to tip.
Warwick had players out against Dalby but that’s no excuse. The Cowboys were very good against the Eagles the previous week, but it can’t be understood why they would succumb to the Diehards?
Goondiwindi seem the real deal and my spies tell me they were very competitive against Wattles.
They have a balanced side this year and seem to have an excellent culture at the club.
Depth is a question mark for the Cowboys, but they have good players returning and this game should be a beauty - hence our eagerness to change this game to tonight. The place should be packed.
I’m tipping an upset and going for Goondiwindi after the games we’ve seen so far this season.
The Obee and Cookie Call will be live from 7.30pm.
Southern Suburbs Tigers v Dalby Diehards
6.30pm Saturday, April 7
Glenhome Park, Toowoomba
Souths are going along nicely and are improving. They are underdogs for this game, but I don’t think Dalby will be taking the Tigers lightly with the likes of Dwayne Duncan, Jacob Whittaker and Sam Cocker who have nothing to lose.
Dalby have started where they left off last season and are again the real deal.
Steve Franciscus and Jason Wardrop really add the ‘x-factor’ to the Diehards and Michael Krause has been an excellent replacement for the injured Dylan Taylor.
Dalby should win this one.
Wattles Warriors v Brothers Leprechauns
6.30pm Saturday, April 7
Platz Oval, Clifton
There will be nowhere to hide for Brothers tomorrow night.
Given their start to the season, the Brethren are going a lot better than a lot of people thought they would.
Their core players like Ricky Davies and company are backing themselves and that is all you can ask of your players.
Wattles were impressive against Gatton, but it was a brutal game and luckily, they had Easter off to lick their wounds, otherwise, this game may have been a different story.
They have a few unavailable due to suspension, but should collect the chocolates in this game.
Oakey Bears v Highfields Eagles
2.30pm Sunday, April 8
Trevor Mickleborough Oval, Oakey
Oakey Bears, it’s time to step up!
They have a tough gig, facing Roosters last round and Highfields this week.
The Eagles gave grand finalists Pittsworth a nice touch up last round and will not be taking their foot off the pedal anytime soon.
Oakey are working well on their new attitude and if their younger players concentrate on footy rather than worrying about the 50/50 calls, they will go a long way to be a force in this competition.
Highfields are such a competitive side and apart from one 40-minute period this season, they have been on fire.
The return of Nick Bainbridge was a huge boost to them last round and they are a real force this season.
Highfields should win.
Pittsworth Danes v Gatton Hawks
Hutchies Match of the Round
2.30pm Sunday, April 8
Club Pittsworth
Pittsworth v Gatton matchups are always great games. Both teams do not take a backward step and really go at each other.
It’s a crucial game for both sides as two competition points are like gold this season.
The Danes will be ready for this one as they will not want to be 0-3 this early in the season.
Ian Brackstone is a master coach and this season is his biggest challenge given the loss of some key players. He will need to call on all his influential ability to lift his side.
The Danes always play well at home and they of all the teams have a low mistake rate which will go a long way to getting back into the winner’s circle.
The Hawks went to sleep in the minutes either side of halftime last round, otherwise, they were very good.
They have Dennis Burgoyne returning and LJ Williams makes his Hawks debut on Sunday.
They will be a different outfit and if their previous outing is anything to go by, the Danes will have a game on their hands.
The Danes were smacked last start, so I’m predicting the Hawks will win this one in a close one.
The Obee and Cookie Call will be live from 1.30pm.
Follow all of the Round 3 action on the Toowoomba Rugby League website.
