FIVE THINGS WE LEARNT FROM THE NORTHERN PRIDE’S FIRST PRE-SEASON TRIAL
1. HALVES COMBINE WELL
Burleigh Bears’ 2019 Rugby League Gold Coast premiershipwinning five-eighth Matthew Egan combined beautifully with halfback Jack Campagnolo in what was their first time together on the field. Campagnolo looked composed and classy in attack in his first game since playing a leading role in Italy’s Rugby League World Cup qualification last November, while Egan displayed silky ballplaying skills to set up several opportunities on the right edge.
2. CHINFAT SHOWS FORM
The return of former NRL stars Gideon Gela-Mosby and Javid Bowen to the Northern Pride on a full-time basis have bolstered the club’s backline options, but it was Cephas Chinfat who got the nod to start the weekend’s trial at fullback and he certainly made the most of it. Chinfat (right) made his debut in Round 15 last year and finished the season at fullback. The coach said he was excited to see Chinfat after he had a full pre-season under his belt – and it looks pretty good.
3. PROPS HAVE THE POWER
They won’t provide the magical cure-all for the Pride’s forward pack but big boppers Matolu Laumea and Taulata Fakalelu were impressive up front. The powerful prop pairing challenged the defence all afternoon with the ball in hand and were a constant threat with their ability to find a late offload. They also shored up the middle-third of the field with their defence. It’s only the first game of the season for the blockbusting props, but the signs are genuinely positive.
4. ROOKIES WILL ADD DEPTH
Coach Ty Williams took the opportunity on the weekend to give some of the club’s rising stars a taste of the top level. Development players Beau Berg, Gabriel Bon, Heilum Luki, Jacob McCarthy, Mark Rosendale, Jacob Wallace and Raymon Tuaimalo Vaega all took part in Saturday afternoon’s trial. The youngsters – notably Luki and Bon – showed they would not look out of place in first grade. They will give the Pride depth beyond their best 17 in 2020. 5. MOORE SOLID ON RETURN The return of young backrower Ewan Moore to the footy field was a welcome sight for Northern Pride fans. The edge forward played limited minutes in his first game back from injury, but still had an impact in attack, running a solid line to barge over for a try, and in defence. Moore was the first under-20s player to get a first-grade call-up last season, making his debut in Round 8. He played five games before suffering a season-ending broken fibula against Redcliffe.