It will be a difficult time for the Selection Panel as they look to come up with their best combination for the first round of fixtures. A host of players impressed in the weekends two big wins over the Jets.
The State League trial was a close struggle to half time as the Tigers suffered from dropped ball and a lack of discipline in conceding penalties. The tide turned after half time and the Tigers ended up running in six tries in a convincing win over a Jets side that competed until the end. Young colt,, David Wood was again given an opportunity in the top grade and was conspicuous although he will find it difficult to grab the fullback spot ahead of Matt Lockyer. Brett McPherson showed he has lost little of his dash with a long distance break for a try while Steve Goodhew was outstanding in attack from dummy half.
EASTS 34
Tries: Chris Parker, Ben Smith, Luke Branighan, Brett McPherson, David Wood, Steve Goodhew
Goals: Luke Branighan (5/5); Matt Lockyer (0/1)
defeated
IPSWICH 8
Tries: Geoff Chalk 2
The Reserve grade squad was in devastating trial form racing to a convincing lead at half time against what appeared to be a strong Ipswich side on paper. They relaxed after the break but still cruised to a very impressive win. Scott Young threw his hat in the ring in the three way battle with Jamie Tomlinson and Steve Goodhew for the hooking spot. Colt import Dane Phillips continued to impress and big Marcus Jensen shone in the heavy forward exchanges.
Easts 38
defeated
Ipswich 6.
In the Colts trial the Tigers again triumphed in their third close encounter even though both sides finished with three tries. While they remain undefeated, this side has a lot of improvement in them and will need to lift their intensity for the season proper.
Easts 18
defeated
Ipswich 14.
The Easts Wizard Cup squad had the weekend off but there were winning results for the FOGS competition teams in trials against the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
The Tigers Colts squad were pushed all the way but the class of last weeks Wizard Qld Cup triallists, David Wood and Dane Phillips helped them run away in the last quarter for a 30 - 14 victory. David Wood scored two tries both off clever passes from five-eighth, Dane Phillips.
In the Reserve Grade fixture, Trevor Exton shook off an injury interrupted off season with a strong performance in the Tigers 24 - 10 win. Chris Parker recruited from Toowoomba as a winger showed some real class in the centres and coach Alfonso Miranda was satisfied with the effort considering the limited team the team had together prior to the match.
The trials against Ipswich will help answer a few questions for Michael Booth and the selectors as they search for the strongest possible combination for he season opener on the 11th March.
It is only the first Trial of the season but it was an encouraging start to the year as the two WizardQld Cup trials on the weekend both resulted in wins for the Tigers.
The first game was against the Tweed Seagulls at Ballina and the Scott Sipple led squad had an impressive 22 - 10 win to open the season. Reports are that Scott Sipple had a strong game after an injury interrupted 2005 while Steele Retchless showed he will be a great asset for the Tigers. Brett McPherson in his return to the Tigers showed his value, leading the team around the park but the whole team showed great spirit and unity for a season opener.
Easts 24
Tries: John Reece (2); Michael Pearse; Brett McPherson and .
Goals: Michael Pearse (1/5)
defeated
Tweed Seagulls 10
Halftime: Easts 14 - Tweed 0.
Meanwhile back at Langlands the night game was a scrappy affair with Souths Logan showing plenty of spirit to keep the game scoreless until well into the third quarter. Three tries in the last fifteen minutes blew out the scoreline and perhaps flattered the Tigers whose ball control was not up to the standard expected. Matt Lockyer and Mark Cantoni worked hard all night and young colt David Wood showed plenty of flair when given a chance at fullback.
Easts 22
Tries: Damian Petrie, David Wood, Pueki Ofahengaue and Donald Malone.
Goals: Luke Branighan (3/4)
defeated
Souths Logan Magpies 0
Halftime: Easts 0 - Tweed 0.
Souths Logan were far too strong in the Reserve Grade clash overwhelming what was largely an U/22 squad 38 - 0.
In the Colts clash Easts were impressive early but failed to score after half time in a game that was marred by some spiteful play late in the game. Full time score was Easts 22 - Souths 20.