The Norths Devils are ready to step on to their home ground for the first time in 2020, aiming to continue their solid start to the pre-season.
Tomorrow’s trial against the Redcliffe Dolphins will enable the Devils to continue their build-up to the Intrust Super Cup season, which begins in three weeks.
The Devils opened their pre-season matches last Saturday night with some bright moments in a draw against Wynnum Manly on Bribie Island.
Both teams scored six tries each in their first taste of football since pre-season training began in the first week of November.
“The players said that when we did what we set out to do, we had some joy, which was a good way to look at the game,” coach Rohan Smith said.
“The game allowed us to get some practice under the pressure of match conditions.
“This week against Redcliffe is another step to getting guys closer to the season. We’ll see some players play for longer minutes and we’ll start to develop more combinations.”
Winger Paul Ulberg (pictured) will play his first game for the pre-season while recruits Keanu Dawson, Joey Peato and Kade Pearce will wear a Devils jersey for the first time.
The ISC trial will be one of four matches to be played at Norths tomorrow with the Under 18s and Under 20s also facing Redcliffe.
The Devils will field an affiliates team, featuring a mix of Norths, Wests and Valleys players, for a clash against Papua New Guinea’s Hela Wigmen.
The ISC match will be the first match played at 2.30pm.
“We’ve got some afternoon matches coming up early in the season so this gives us a chance tomorrow to get out there and play during the day and to help prepare for next month,” Smith said.
