Bears down Tweed in Gold Coast derby trial

Saturday night's clash between the Burleigh Bears and Tweed Seagulls gave Intrust Super Cup players an insight into just how fast a game of NRL can be.

The combination of 14 full-time Gold Coast Titans players spread across both sides - plus the new six-again rule - made for a high-quality, fast-paced trial at Pizzey Park.

An impressive first half performance from the Seagulls had the Bears trailing 12-6 at the break, but two second half tries within a 10-minute timeframe from Burleigh winger Andre Niko sealed the deal for their 22-18 victory.

The Bears started just as well as they finished, with centre Troy Leo opening the scoring in the 21st minute of play.

It wasn’t long before the Seagulls fought back, with a break down the field and a pass out to winger Ryland Jacobs seeing them even the score.

An unforced error from the Bears was all the momentum Seagulls playmaker Toby Sexton needed, finding his way under the posts as the half-time hooter sounded. 

The start of the second half saw the Seagulls waste no time extending the lead, with new Titans recruit Herman Ese’ese making his way over the line.

But it wasn’t long before the Bears clawed their way back from a 12-point deficit, with Niko scoring a double and evening up the score with 20 minutes remaining.

That wasn't the only double of the night, with Leo finding the line again, just two minutes before full-time, helping to secure the hard-fought victory.

For Bears captain Luke Page, having six Titans players named as part of his side was the perfect advantage heading into Round 1.

“That was as good as any game's going to get,” Page said.

“To have that game as a trial and see where we are at before Round 1 is great.”

With the start of the season less than two weeks away, the matchup has allowed the Bears roster to begin moulding into place, according to coach Rick Stone.

“The injection of those quality players definitely helps our side if we can get them back over the next couple of weeks,” Stone said.

“If they continue to gel and spend some time with the boys it will be beneficial for everyone.”

The Intrust Super Cup season kicks off for the Bears on Sunday, March 21 against Souths Logan Magpies at Davies Park.