Sunshine Coast Falcons coach Sam Mawhiney says their first outing in almost a year was a “positive” one, after they demolished Ipswich at Bokarina.
The Falcons crushed the Jets 42-8 in the first of three pre-season games.
It was their first match since mid-March, when the 2020 Queensland Cup was cancelled after just one round due to COVID-19.
“We came into the game after a really solid pre-season of training and we’re pretty happy because we ticked a lot of boxes,” Mawhinney said.
“I thought the boys were pretty good.”
The Falcons have emerged as heavy hitters in the past few seasons and this outing is a promising sign for the club, especially after so long on the sidelines.
“It’s definitely a confidence boost,” Mawhinney said.
“It’s not all about winning during trials but you want to win every time you go on to the field, so it was pleasing to get a win and be on home soil because it’s been more than 12 months since we played there.”
After a slightly disjointed start to the game they showed some poise with the ball.
“It was certainly a grind in the first and I thought we dominated field position and were pretty good with completions,” Mawhinney said.
“In the first 20 minutes we got into some attacking positions and we lacked a bit of patience but towards the end of the first half we built some sustained pressure and got some rewards.”
The game was a chance for players at both clubs to press their claims for Round 1 selection and position frontrunners played in the first half (14-6) and outsiders played in the second half.
The Falcons used 33 players, which is almost their entire squad.
Former NRL star Jarrod Mullen played his first game since serving a lengthy ban for doping.
Mawhinney said the 33-year-old fared well in his half game outing.
“Jarrod was good,” he said.
“It was a long time coming for him. Four years out of the game is a massive time, so there was a lot of emotion and adrenalin.
“He did a really good job for us and he’s been excellent since he’s come into the group.
“He’s not trying to overplay things. He understands he’s got a role to play for us and I think he’s just enjoying being back in a team environment.”
Mullen started the game at five-eight, before shifting to lock.
Mawhinney said he offered some utility value and is “definitely in the mix for Round 1” in a month, despite his lengthy absence from the game.
Wyatt Reynolds pressed his claims for a Queensland Cup debut while fellow forward Daniel Dole made a strong return to the game, after having shoulder surgery prior to last season.
New signings Bessie Aufuga-Toomaga and Paul Ulberg produced impressive outings in the back-line.
Luke Polselli and Matt Milson appear locked in a battle for the fullback’s role, if it’s not taken by a Melbourne Storm affiliate, after they both produced eye-catching games.
“That’s going to be a really big headache (for selection),” Mawhinney said.
Kurt Baptiste, with 80 NRL games to his name, showed early form in the No.9 jersey while former Falcons under-20 captain Jack Wright was imposing in the halves after he came off the bench.
But there was a setback for forward Campbell Duffy, who suffered an ankle ligament injury. It’s hoped he will only miss 2-4 weeks.
Back Nathan Saumalu, who notched game time last year, is likely to miss the start of the season after having his knee operated on during the off-season.
Utility Sam Burns (shoulder) was rested from the trial while seasoned campaigners and co-captains Dane Hogan and Todd Murphy will likely be rested from the Falcons’ trial against the Capras in Gladstone this weekend.
The team’s last trial will be against Norths in Noosa the following week with the season to start a fortnight later.
