RUGBY LEAGUE: Toowoomba Rugby League premiership leaders the Valleys Roosters fought off a determined challenge from the Wattles Warriors on Sunday afternoon to edge out the home side 33-26 in a physical encounter in front of possibly the biggest crowd of the year at Clifton's Platz Oval.

The Roosters waited until midway through the second half to stamp their authority on the final fixture of 2017 before the finals series commences.

When lock Luke Menhennitt touched down in the 58th minute it not only levelled the scoreboard at 20-all, it was the first of a three-try rush across a 13-minute spell that shot Valleys to a 32-20 lead.　

With seven minutes remaining in the game, Valleys halfback Ryan Stevens kicked a field goal to extend his side's advantage to 33-20 further reinforcing their match-winning lead.

Wattles have been more than active of late involved in some giant killing against TRL high flyers, and they sure showed they had what it took early against Valleys.

Front-rower Michael Pearson was again in sensational form, and when he burst into a gap from 40m out in the ninth minute it set up the first try of the match, he off loaded to five-eighth Josh Henry who sent back rower Ty Gardner in to the corner to score.

Two consecutive penalties that ushered Valleys deep into Wattles 20m zone resulted in their opening try to front-rower Steve Rodgers.

It was Gardner again who added to Wattles total in the 25th minute gathering a loose ball and outlasting chasers over a 55m gallop to the try line.

With Wattles leading 10-4, Valleys took full advantage of a scrum win on the opposition's 　 　quarter, clever centre Jake Ryalls fooling defenders on his way to a try.

The Roosters headed to half time leading 14-10 after their back-rower Marc McGrady touched down after a break in play.

While Valleys looked to be gaining momentum as the first half slowed to an end, it was Wattles that claimed first points in the second stanza when half back Matt Duggan scored from close to the tryline after his superb high kick had his side in ideal attacking position.

Valleys defence off their line was solid but eventually Duggan threaded his way through allowing the Warriors a 16-14 lead.

The outstanding playmaker was marked heavily through out the 80 minutes, but regardless of the heavy attention he received he collected Wattles players' player honours.

The home side certainly looked sharp in the initial 15 minutes of the second half, and centre Brenden Wilson scored running off a jinking Josh Henry dash from the scrum base for his side to lead 20-14.

Valleys size and fitness saw them take control of the game from the 20-minute mark.

Wattles finished the match on a high note with the ball travelling through the hands of Liam Ross, Matt Duggan and Jackson Green for winger Jimmy Johnson to score in the final minutes, and Duggan converting from the sideline.

Coach Gary Lawrence thought his side did well, but were just not good enough on the day.

"Our first half error rate robbed us of opportunities, and we gave away to many penalties, all of which helped Valleys back in to the game at key moments."

"We are concerned key bench player Michael Duggan may have sustained a season ending knee injury,” Lawrence said.

Gardner, Jarred Bradfield and Brodie Frizzell all finished the game with injury concerns.

Despite the error rate, it was a very encouraging performance by Wattles against quality opponents, and gells well for them going in the the finals series.

Michael Pearson was almost machine line with his work rate, while fullback Jackson Green and centre Brenden Wilson also shone throughout.　

A grade: Valleys 33 (Steve Rodgers, Jake Ryalls, Marc McGrady, Luke Menhinnitt, Balay Viane, Anisi Finau, tries; Brett Seymour 4 goals, Ryan Stevens field goal) defeated Wattles 26 (Ty Gardner 2, Matt Duggan, Brendan Wilson, James Johnson tries; Matt Duggan 3 goals)

Reserve grade: Valleys 56 (Kyle Wagner 3, Dylan Adamson 2, Mitchell Sargent, Ben Atkins, Shaun Masoe, Robert Trott, Josh Mason, Blake Edwards tries; Dylan Adamson 6 goals) defeated Wattles 4 (Eden Blewitt try)

Under 18: Valleys 76 defeated Wattles 6 (Cahal David try; Blake Lollback goal)