RUGBY LEAGUE: Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie may well be the news of the moment around the sunshine state but in the hills and valleys around Wattles Rugby League Club the big news is the loss for more than a month of their star Toowoomba representative halfback Matt Duggan.

Duggan threw a big scare into the Wattles camp last Saturday when he sustained a knee injury in the 65th minute of the Warriors 30-22 loss to reigning premiers Pittsworth Danes.

The premiership winning playmaker battled on to full-time but subsequent tests have shown a fracture that will see him benched for up to six weeks.

Coach Gary Lawrence has quality options in halves depth with the likes of Michael Duggan and English talent Jordan Gale as he juggled player names before announcing his team for Saturday's clash with the Oakey Bears at Platz Oval.

The Bears, who were lost in the TRL wilderness for a period in the off-season, were reinstated to the league in late November and are now focused on proving their worth in Queensland country's leading competition.

Coming off a bye round last week, the Oakey outfit have only one fixture to their credit in the new season, a 70-24 loss to the Gatton Hawks.

Lawrence is assuming nothing however and is looking to his side climbing back atop the winner's podium after a classy first round 30-4 win over Souths before suffering a frustrating loss last week at Pittsworth.

Team captain Dale Perkins is one player that won't be taking the Bears lightly after their week spell.

"We are weary,” Perkins said.

"But with Michael Duggan directing the backs and Kyle Marsh leading the forwards we feel we have the goods to be leading at full-time.”

A player who is certainly bringing a smile to the coaches face is experienced hooker Liam Ross who is back from a knee injury. His defence and work rate around the ruck is vital.

While weather may have a say in results, Saturday kick-off times at Platz Oval are A-grade 6.30pm, reserve grade 5pm and U18 3.30pm.