Glyn Rees, Allora Advertiser
Thomas Hatch is the latest addition to the Travis Burns coached Stillwater Pastoral Company Wattles Warriors top grade outfit, and according to the experienced mentor the 21-year-old hooker has hit the ground running.
Hatch spent his junior years with the Highfields Eagles and Valleys Roosters, before cementing a spot in the Eagles’ first grade pack with his obvious ability.
The clever rake won the Toowoomba Rugby League’s prestigious Bill and Steve Pollard Family Medal in 2021, the prize for the player of the match in the mid-year Madsen Rasmussen Final when Highfields overwhelmed the Gatton Hawks.
Hatch was recruited for the Western Clydesdales’ Under 21 line-up last year, forming a classy combination with former Warriors’ premiership winning playmaker Kai Duggan.
In the final year of his trade training with Toowoomba firm Giles Plumbing and Gas, Hatch is focused on a year of achievement in his new adventure with Wattles.
Additional to Hatch’s credentials is donning the Toowoomba Clydesdales colours in the 2021 QRL Central Division 47th Battalion Championships.
The green and gold newcomer is enthusiastic about running on as a member of an established line-up of players, including many friends from previous league ranks.
Having Travis Burns at the coaching helm was a significant attraction for Hatch.
“It’s such a bonus given his coaching ability and achievements as a player,” he said.
The horse racing industry can boast more than a passing interest for Wattles latest debutante, his father being leading Toowoomba trainer Lindsay Hatch.
The Wattles Warriors Toowoomba Rugby League fixture commitments start in earnest against the Oakey Bears at Clifton’s Platz Oval on Sunday April 7th; however, the Warriors have a busy run into the new season.
February 17th will see a green and gold senior side up against the Pittsworth Danes in a program opener to the Qube Logistics Australian Legends match against the Pittsworth Danes Allstars at Pittsworth.
A number of Wattles players will also be in action on the same day in the Goondiwindi Border Knockout.
The pre-season highlight will be the clash between Wattles and the Warwick Cowboys in the much-anticipated Barrett Family Shield which will bring Platz Oval to life on Saturday March 23rd.
This article appeared in the Allora Advertiser, 7 February 2024.
