The Burdekin Roosters will have their first hit out of the season when they host the Mackay Magpies at Rugby Park this Saturday.
Two grades will be played: A grade and Reserve grade with the reserves scheduled to start at 3:30pm.
The two clubs play a trial match each year on a rotating basis.
The Roosters will be out to silence the birds from Mackay after they were the victors last year.
Rooster coach Daniel Beazley said his team could be a little underdone after recent rain had severely curtailed training.
“I expect they would be in the same boat as well,” Beazley said.
The coach said he wanted to have a look at a couple of players in different positions and that is what trials are all about.
It is not expected the two players each allocated from the Cowboys and Blackhawks will be playing.
“We have a keen bunch of boys and I expect them to give a good account of themselves,” Beazley said.
The coach added he particularly wanted to see three players in action.
“Adam Stephens appears to be a very good player, very professional and athletic and as he is only new, I want to see him on the field while Rhett Williams will play at hooker and I expect him to add a touch of class out there,” he said.
Beazley went on to say that he was glad to see Nemia Nawave at training and going hard.
He added, “Nemia will start on the wing where he is very quick but I have been told he played at hooker in Fiji so I will give him a go there to see what he offers in the middle.”
“Tate Brombal has been putting in the hard yards at training and is welcome back home after a year away playing in the Toowoomba League.
“Riley Horan is another I want to see after having a year off with former Queensland schoolboy representative Terry Connors who could be the X Factor as he appears quick.”
Reserves coach Chris Perry has named a squad with plenty of youth on one hand plus experience on another.
Former Marlins representative Mitchell Guy says he has finished playing A Grade but still wants to put the boots on and help out Chris and his reggies.
His experience will be invaluable to the coach who will have a number of last years under 19 players making the step up.
The canteen will be open with the bar and doubles sold on the gate.
Contributed by Brian Carnes
