Intrust Super Cup squads were put to the test during trial games at the weekend, just two weeks out from the official kick-off to the 2019 season.
Sunshine Coast Falcons beat Norths Devils 28-16
Sunshine Coast Falcons beat Norths Devils 28-16 at Sunshine Coast Stadium. Falcons coach Eric Smith said he was "pretty happy" with his team, and glad to finish the trial period fairly unscathed. Smith said the trials exposed some younger players to "higher level football" and they impressed and surprised him, proving there was good depth to his squad. Smith said he was most impressed with Jake Ainsworth in the centres. "He hasn't done too much wrong," Smith said. Smith said despite the reasonable start to the Falcons' campaign, there were areas the squad needed to improve on including completion rate before the season proper.
Tweed Heads Seagulls beat Burleigh Bears 20-18
Tweed Heads Seagulls beat Burleigh Bears 20-18 at Burleigh at the weekend. Seagulls coach Ben Woolf told Gold Coast Bulletin he was pleased with his side’s final trial hit-out. “We just did things more consistently than what we have been,” Woolf said. “We did much better job (than our first trial), particularly with our defence.” Bears coach Jimmy Lenihan said his side had some work to do before their Round 1 fixture against Norths.
Easts Tigers beat Ipswich Jets 16-8
Easts Tigers beat Ipswich Jets 16-8 at Langlands Park. Tigers coach Scott Sipple said he was pleased with his side's efforts, and glad there were no injuries. "I thought our defence was pretty good, keeping them to two tries which came off kicks," Sipple said. "It was a good, solid hit-out for the boys." Sipple said the stand-out performers for him were young winger Rakheem Auda, Bennett Leslie, who has joined the squad from Mackay Cutters, and John Puna.
Souths Logan Magpies beat Redcliffe Dolphins 32-24
Souths Logan Magpies beat 2018 premiers Redcliffe Dolphins 32-24 at Acacia Ridge. Magpies coach Jon Buchanan said the win provided a much-needed confidence boost for the squad after losing to Brisbane Broncos the week before. "It was a pretty good first half," Buchanan said. "We played some pretty good footy to be honest... Guy Hamilton was exceptional." Buchanan said he was pleased with his team's defence, but there was still a fair bit of work to do to fine tune before the season kicked off March 9.
Central Queensland Capras beat Mackay Cutters 34-10
CQ Capras beat Mackay Cutters 34-10 at Browne Park. Capras led 24-0 at half time and added another 10 points to the board with some big runs and solid defensive efforts. Capras coach David Faiumu said told The Morning Bulletin "it was a fantastic effort from the boys".
Northern Pride beat Townsville Blackhawks 28-10
Northern Pride beat Townsville Blackhawks 28-10 at Gordonvale. Pride coach Ty Williams told The Cairns Post he was impressed with his team’s attitude and effort in defence on the night, which had been a focus for the team during their pre-season training.
Brisbane Broncos beat Wynnum Manly Seagulls 26-12
Brisbane Broncos beat Wynnum Manly Seagulls 26-12 at BMD Kougari Oval. Broncos prop Thomas Flegler made a statement that he is ready to make his NRL debut after lock Tevita Pangai Jnr felt "a pop" in his hamstring before leaving the field. Wynnum-Manly look set to have a strong season in the Intrust Super Cup. The control and guile of half Sam Scarlett was a highlight as was the incisive running of fullback Edene Gabbie and former Wests Tigers back Delouise Hoeter.
