NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 02: Shaun Johnson of the Cronulla Sharks during the NRL Trial match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Newcastle Knights on March 02, 2019 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)
Following one of the the strangest off-season in memory, it's good to have a preview of the season proper, and perhaps even get a few burning questions answered.
First of all - isn't it great to have rugby league back in our screens!
This has been the most ridiculous off season of all time. It has been well covered for all the wrong reasons but there have also been some major questions asked.
Of course, these games are not played with the same intensity or atmosphere of regular NRL games so they're just a guide, but below are a few things we have learned in the trials.
We'll start the what we've learned list with something that has even further confused fans and pundits, and that is the 2019 Canberra Raiders.
Their NSW cup side came back and beat the Eels in the first trial, with a second up win over the Dogs in the second trial.
Strangely the Raiders came back in both games, the opposite of their usual MO where they lead only to lose late.
Jack Whighton has attracted mixed reviews but honestly the majority seem to be positive. That could be a clever move from Stuart.
At times they looked awful while at others times they were the Green Machine.
Still anyone's guess how they'll perform in round one against the Titans.
Anyone watching the Sharks/Knights trial would have taken great notice of that shift right where Shaun Johnson put Matt Moylan into space who drew two and put Dugan over untouched. It was poetry.
Moylan only played the first half, with 10 minutes off the field for what looked like a HIA but he and Johnson looked as though they had been playing together for years.
Every time the two linked up the Sharks looked dangerous.
Johnson didn't test the line and instead looked like he was working on combinations. His combo with Moylan was the highlight of the game.
Pay no attention the results, they don't matter in trials, but the Tigers look to have some serious issues at five-eighth.
Josh Reynolds and Benji Marshall have had some incredible highlights across their careers but neither are bashing down the doors to partner Luke Brooks in the halves.
The Tigers are one of probably only three teams where the halves combination is not absolutely locked in, at least in the minds of fans and pundits.
The other two being the Warriors and Eels who have rookies battling for one spot.
The Tigers aren't looking at debuting a rookie play-maker though, with a premiership winner battling an Origin winner for the vacant spot.
On paper that looks incredible but in reality I'm not sure either can lift the Tigers to a top eight finish.
A series of players seem to have stood up and made themselves Supercoach must haves. We take a look below:
- Andrew Fifita: Fifita had a monster game in the All Star game and was absolutely dominant in the 40 minutes he played against the Knights. He dominated the likes of Klemmer and Glasby and scored a 2016 Grand Final-esque try in the 39th minute. Would have played 60+ easily if he wasn't rested after halftime.
- Zac Lomax: $196,900 for a starting player, sign me up. As I type this he is scoring in the corner and looks to have locked down that wing spot. This is a simple set and forget for the opening three weeks. If he scores a try or two in the opening month, you're in the money. Bench spot only though for mine.
- Cam Murray: Has officially won the 13 jumper with Sam Burgess moving to an edge. At just over $450,000 he is set for $100,000 in price rises and looks an easy 60 average all year. Id be shocked if he's not in 50% of sides come round 1.
- Briton Nikora: At $168,100 Nikora will be the most picked player in the game if he holds onto that edge role he played in yesterday's trial. With Graham out for up to 12 weeks (coming back after the bye) Nikora looks ahead of Scott Sorenson. His price will rocket playing 60+ minutes for 10 weeks. Available at centre. Absolute steal.
Speaking of SuperCoach, there are still limited spots available in the below leagues. Makes sure to join and join us in the battle for ultimate bragging rights.
ZT #3 - 619871
ZT # 4 - 234353
ZT #5 - 874240
Twitter (follow @suthodan) - 952692
Beginners (first year only please) - 231847
Of course it is impossible to cover all of the trial happenings, it's good to have the game back on our screens for the right reasons.
It looks as though plenty of sides have their attacking plans down pay but look like they'll spend the next week and a bit setting their defence.
Let us know your thoughts across the trials thus far.