Toowoomba Valleys half Josh Chappell should get a hold of the 1975 Brisbane Rugby League grand final and watch Geoff Richardson’s kicking and how it can win a game.
In the '75 finals series between Western Suburbs and Redcliffe, Richardson drove anyone and everyone back.
Early in the grand final, the Panthers were bringing it back off their line and going nowhere; until Richardson suddenly kicked it 50 metres down field, driving the Dolphins’ fullback Pearce around, only for it to turn at right angles and dribble into touch.
The Panthers forwards jogged with their chest out to the scrum, whereas the Dolphins forwards dropped their heads and trudged back.
Chappell’s kicking game has won Valleys plenty of ground this Volunteers Cup and on Saturday, he will be doing it in the finals for the Roosters.
“I take a lot of pride in my kicking, I think it’s my best asset,” Chappell said.
“It came about because I practice a lot on my own and kicking is one of the things you can do independently.
“So, it’s a lot of me down the park kicking.
“It’s important for our team... it wins us ground and that’s all I want to do play my part.
“I like the pressure of goal kicking too.”
Chappell’s excitement is slowly building along with his pride in representing Toowoomba.
“I can’t wait for the finals," the Roosters half said.
"Norths are going to be a hard work - they’re agile and a big team.
“My first game in the Volunteers Cup was against Norths.
“I hope the other two Toowoomba teams can get behind us."
Valleys Roosters v Norths Tigers
3pm Saturday, October 10 - North Ipswich Reserve
Toowoomba up against Ipswich in a finals clash... how good?
Valleys finished second and are set to face the third-placed Norths Tigers in the first sudden-death semi-final on Saturday.
The Roosters are the only Toowoomba club in the finals so they will be flying their city flag on the weekend, coming off a win over Gatton 25-18.
The Roosters led 18-4 at one stage and the 2019 Toowoomba premiers looked like they would cruise to the regular season finishing line with a comfortable win.
But Gatton came back and they had to withstand four Hawks tries, and it could prove a vital dress rehearsal for this week.
Norths are coming off a loss to West End, who came out fired up with the Tigers getting away to a slow start - behind 12-10 at half-time - but from there, it was a very even struggle.
Norths will be looking to find their form after some patchy performances lately.
Goodna Eagles v West End Bulldogs
5pm Saturday, October 10 - North Ipswich Reserve
Goodna finished first and you get the feeling they have been looking to the finals for the last fortnight.
The Eagles warmed up for October with a 34-14 display against Souths.
They didn’t have it easy with Souths leading at half-time 14-10; but then when the whistle blew for the second half, they were like a school kid that had been told to stop staring out the window and focus by their teacher, unleashing five tries to blow the Tigers away.
West End are bringing some solid form to the finals with the Bulldogs having beaten both Valleys and Norths in the regular season.
Bernard Mosby scored two tries and a kicked a goal to cement fourth-place, 24-16.
This clash will be a massive challenge for West End. The teams that have troubled the Eagles the most this season have kept the ball off them and made them tackle.
The Bulldogs will need to minimise errors and take their chances when they present themselves.
*Main image courtesy of Nev Madsen / Toowoomba Chronicle
