General News
2 October, 2025
Wattles Rugby League Club celebrates another big year
For one of the smaller clubs in the Toowoomba Rugby League Wattles certainly packs a punch - it’s a club with a great tradition, a very enthusiastic volunteer base, dedicated committee members, many talented players across all grades and a solid band of supporters.
On Friday, 26 September, the club’s annual Banquet and Presentation Evening at the Allora Community Hall attracted a good attendance to honour the efforts of players and those who contributed to the success of the club during 2025.
The night began with president Amanda O’Halloran delivering her annual report covering the year’s highlights, which included the installation of upgraded lighting at Platz Oval and the performance of teams and individual players.
Ms O’Halloran, who has successfully led the Wattles Rugby League Club for six years, became emotional as she announced that she would not be standing for re-election.
While still keen to support Wattles, she explained that she needs more time for her business and personal life.
When the club’s AGM rolls around, the incoming president will have big shoes to fill.
Player of the Year
Wattles 2025 Player of the Year is halfback Tom Hatch.
Hatch enjoyed superb year that saw him just fall short of also claiming Toowoomba Rugby League Player of the Year honours.
His halfback career with Wattles commenced in the pre-season Barrett Family Shield clash against Warwick back in March.
The crafty playmaker took the field in all Wattles 2025 matches including 18 fixtures, a pre-season trial, three semi-finals and the Grand Final crossing for 17 tries overall and tallying 176 points in all matches.
The prestigious shield was a fitting end to what was Hatch’s second season in top grade green and gold, where a positional move from hooker to halfback for the 22-year-old orchestrated by Coach of the past eight years Travis Burns proved a master stroke.
Winning the shield that was first presented in 1975 “means a lot,” Tom said.
“There has been so many quality players win the award and to have my name along with them is pretty special,” he said.
Hatch spent his junior years with the Highfields Eagles and the Valleys Roosters, before cementing a spot in the Eagles first grade pack with his obvious ability.
Hatch was recruited for the Western Clydesdales Under 21 line-up last year, forming a combination with former Warrior’s premier-ship winning playmaker Kai Duggan.
-Glyn Rees
