A burst of five tries in 17 minutes helped Norths Devils to a win over Wynnum Manly Seagulls in their pre-season match on Saturday night.
The 42-36 win marked the Devils’ first appearance at Bishop Park in 12 months – the club hadn’t played a game on their home ground since a trial match against Redcliffe 364 days earlier.
Coach Rohan Smith called on more than 30 players for the trial, mixing together combinations in the first of three matches for the Devils before the Intrust Super Cup season begins on March 20.
Match: Cutters v Dolphins
Round 1 -
home Team
Cutters
8th Position
away Team
Dolphins
7th Position
Venue: BB Print Stadium, Mackay
“We wanted to give time to plenty of players last night and we were able to do that,” Smith said.
“It was our first trial, so we were able to provide more time to our less experienced Intrust Super Cup players, including some players who are new to Norths.
“Our players came through the game unscathed which is always positive at this time of the year.”
The Devils’ led 10-0 after 10 minutes through tries to Piki Rogers and Sam Fa’apito before the Seagulls fought back to lead 30-14 minutes into the second half.
The Devils then surged to a match-winning lead when Moses Noovao-McGreal (50th minute), Danny Levi (54th), Rogers (57th), Jack Ahearn (64th) and Harry Freebairn (67th) crossed for tries in the third and fourth quarters.
A strong pre-season crowd at Bishop Park was treated to four trial matches.
The Devils also won the under 16 Cyril Connell Challenge, under 18 Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup and Hastings Deering Colts trials as both clubs took the opportunity to use large squads in the humid conditions.
Players began adjusting to new rules, including the six-again law that began in last season’s NRL competition and the return to one on-field referee.
The Devils will again play at home next Saturday when they host the Redcliffe Dolphins in Under 18, Colts and Cup matches.
The Devils and Dolphins’ Under 16 teams will meet at Moreton Daily Stadium.
