For the last few seasons, Norths have followed a similar February pattern: win some, lose some and get ready for the Hostplus Cup season.

The Devils lost one yesterday – a 36-10 defeat to Sunshine Coast Falcons at Bishop Park in the final trial match of the summer.

The Falcons also defeated the Devils last February before Norths started the regular season with seven consecutive wins.

Devils coach Rohan Smith fielded 30 players yesterday while premiership winners such as Kierran Moseley, Jack Ahearn and George Fai were held out of the trial with a view to the new season.

The Devils started well, with Nathan Brown setting Lachlan Lewis up for a try in the seventh minute.

Twenty minutes later, Norths scored from a scrum 10 metres’ out from the Falcons’ line, as well-known Devils Jacob Gagan, Jack Miers and Connor Broadhurst handled before Tony Tumusa bulldozed his way over.
The Devils didn’t score again with missed opportunities against a committed Falcons defence before one of the largest February crowds at Bishop Park in many years. Yesterday’s bill included four junior representative matches between Norths and Wynnum Manly.

“We were able to give a lot of players an opportunity so that we can build the squad and we trialled different combinations,” coach Smith said.

“These games provide a good chance for lessons to learn in important moments and the need to stick to systems under pressure. Playing games is best way to get those experiences

“We’ve come through the trial period without any major injuries so we’ll have two weeks to get ready for the first game.”
The Devils will host Mackay Cutters on Saturday night 7 March to open a season that could be difficult to predict.

The Devils will learn plenty about the new season in March with matches against Western Clydesdales, Souths Logan Magpies and Brisbane Tigers after the Cutters’ visit.

Photo by Alan Drinnen