RUGBY LEAGUE: While they may have secured a handy victory over a determined Oakey Bears outfit in their last start, the Gary Lawrence-coached Wattles Warriors are on the road Saturday facing their biggest challenge this season against the unbeaten Dalby Diehards.

The Diehards started the TRL season with a bye but have since hit the ground running accounting for the ample talents of the Gatton Hawks 32-8 and last weekend overwhelming Warwick Cowboys 38-6.

While Wattles also boast two wins, it can't be said they are playing with the confidence and nous the coaching hierarchy would like.

It is early days though and Lawrence has plenty of respect for his team's ability with plenty of match time remaining this season. Injury was a dark cloud over the Warriors in 2016 and reared its head early in 2017.

Lawrence has a capable performer in half-back Michael Duggan, but as far as Wattles halves go, Duggan is holding the fort after the recent loss of his cousin Matt Duggan with a knee problem and Jordan Gale who has returned home to the Old Dart.

The situation congests given five-eighth Jaime Abbas has wandered under the injury cloud. Abbas was among Wattles best against Oakey but played most of the match with a concerning leg injury.

Abbas' ability is vital to Wattles on Saturday and he will be given until kick-off to prove his fitness while teammate front rower Jarred Bradfield is another granted a late fitness test with a foot concern.

The match between country cousins Dalby and Wattles will shoulder some emotions as the A-grade sides will vie for the Rod Frahm Memorial Trophy. Rod Frahm was a sterling contributor to Central Downs and Dalby regions through his rural-based businesses and was a former player, coach and life member of Wattles.

Former Wattles president Aaron Scheid will take the field against Dalby and is tipping a competitive stoush.

"Dalby are considered early premiership favourites, have recruited exceptionally well and are extremely strong across the park,” he said.

"If we can match them in the forwards, we'll certainly give the game a shake.”

First game 3.30pm, A grade at 6.30pm.