Norths took positive steps towards their Hostplus Cup and BMD Premiership seasons in trial matches against first round opponents Burleigh Bears at Bishop Park on Saturday night.
The men’s Cup team revealed the first glimpse of the new-look Devils for 2024 when a host of new faces pulled on Norths jerseys for the first time.
The Devils lost 20-12 to a Burleigh squad that began the match with six players from its 2023 grand final team.
There was plenty to like from both teams in a game that was entertaining despite the errors sparked by constant drizzle.
The Devils’ BMD Premiership team had bright moments despite falling 16-4 to a strong Bears team.
Coach Meg Ward was pleased with the effort of a team that has come together well during the pre-season.
“I was proud of the girls’ efforts because Burleigh threw a lot at us and we handled the game well,” Ward said.
“We gave up four tries across the match and we know that we can improve a lot in the weeks ahead.
“We probably tried to force our hand at times and we can be a bit simpler in attack and we can trust our processes.
“We’ve got one trial match left and we’ll really try to fine tune our squad there before we start the season. It was good to play against Burleigh ahead of that game.”
The Devils and Bears will go their separate ways for a month before they meet again at Pizzey Park on March 9 in the opening round of the Hostplus Cup and BMD competitions.
The Devils’ first Cup team will have a different look to the squad that entertained last night under the backline direction of Sunshine Coast Falcons recruit Jack Wright and Hayden Rowbotham alongside premiership centre Jacob Gagan and new signings Julian Christian (Northern Pride) and Blake Paskins (Mackay Cutters).
Nugget Johnson (Townsville Blackhawks) and Justin Fai (Souths Logan) played for the Devils for the first time in a forward pack that included the sharp service of Zak McGuire and the familiar sight of James Flack, Will Toloi, Zac McMinn and Justin Makirere.
The second half featured highlights for the crowd braving the drizzle including a sharp try from Colts graduate Declan Haydon and impressive efforts from some of the Devils’ enthusiastic train-and-trial crew.
The Devils came through unscathed, leaving coach Dave Elliott with plenty of options for Saturday night’s home trial against Redcliffe followed by the final warm-up match against the Falcons on the Sunshine Coast.
The likes of Eddie Blacker, Sam Elliott, Jayden Stephens, George Fai and Zach Brooks will play their first matches after sitting out last weekend’s match.
“We got what we needed from that match so it was a good way to start the year,” Elliott said.
“There was plenty of effort and enthusiasm there and some players showed the benefits of the hard work they have put in over the summer.
“Burleigh are always a high-quality opponent so we valued the chance to test ourselves against them.”
In Rockhampton, Devils-contracted players Gerome Burns, Cooper Jenkins and Manase Kaho featured in the NRL Dolphins’ opening trial match.
The Devils’ Under 17 and Under 19 teams play their opening competition matches next weekend.
