RUGBY LEAGUE: Coach Craig Mullaly was full of admiration for his players after an injury-riddled Warwick Cowboys A-grade side went down 24-0 to leaders Dalby in the TRL game at Dalby this afternoon.

"That is as good a team effort as you will see from a beaten team,” Mullaly said.

"I am very proud of the boys.”

He made special mention of the Martin-Brown brothers, Coen and Cruise, who both backed up after playing in the under-18 game.

U18 player Dustin Close also impressed after backing up in A grade and Mitch Watson also played a second game for the day in the top grade.

The Cowboys went into the A-grade game without six regulars from recent injuries, including two of their best week-in, week-out, Mick Bloomfield and Dylan Galloway.

Of the regular A-grade players, Mullaly said Morgan Taylor, Craig Donn, Dion Galloway and Josh Cruice all had strong game against the leaders.

Dalby scored six tries in the win and didn't land a goal. PNG player Shaun Wickham scored three tries.

Four of the Cowboys injured players are expected to return to A grade for the game this Saturday night game against Oakey at Father Ranger Oval.

The loss to Dalby makes the Cowboys quest for a top-six spot even tougher.

Due to the decision to play a split second round, the TRL added a sixth team to the finals structure and it appears Dalby, Valleys, Pittsworth and Highfields are assured of four of the spots.

Gatton and Wattles currently hold the next two spots one win ahead of Warwick and Souths.

Warwick also went down to Dalby in the three lower grade games today in Dalby.

Unbeaten record goes in U18s

THE biggest disappointment was in the U18 game when Warwick conceded a try in the last five minutes of the game to go down 22-20 to Dalby.

The loss ended an unbeaten record of 11 games for the Cowboys but coach Matt Grew and his team are assured of being involved in finals footy.

Results in the final three weeks against Oakey (home), Valleys (away) and Highfields (home) will determine finals spots in all grades.

Warwick is in a similar position in reserve grade as in A grade - one win out of the top six.

In second-division, Warwick is in third place after making the mid-season President's Cup final and set to play in the finals.

LADDER - A Grade: Dalby 22, Valleys 22, Pittsworth 18, Highfields 18, Wattles 14, Gatton 14, Souths 12, Warwick 12, Brothers 4, Oakey 2, Goondiwindi 2,

Ladder - Reserve Grade: Gatton 23, Valleys 18, Dalby 18, Highfields 15, Souths 14, Brothers 14, , Warwick 12, Wattles 12, Pittsworth 10, Goondiwindi 2, Oakey 2

Ladder - Under 18: Dalby 24, Valleys 22, Souths 22, Warwick 21, South Burnett 19, Highfields 16, Goondiwindi 12, Gatton 12, Pittsworth 11, Brothers 5, Oakey 2, Wattles 2.

Ladder - Second Division: Gatton 14, Pittsworth 10, Warwick 8, Dalby 6, Brothers 4, Valleys 0.