Gold Coast Titans affiliates Burleigh and Tweed may not officially face off until Round 4 of the Hostplus Cup, but there's nothing better than a pre-season matinee to whet the footy appetite.
This Saturday's afternoon affair will feature 10 full-time rostered Titans who are full of energy to get back on field and give it all they've got to impress coach Justin Holbrook and the coaching staff.
Coming off the back of an impressive trials period that allowed a number of future stars to be unleashed, one player that took his opportunity with both hands was halfback Tom Weaver, who is set to lineup with the No. 7 on his back for Tweed.
"I actually didn't expect to play in the Dolphins trial, so it was a bit of a surprise," he revealed.
"I really enjoyed being able to play with the big boys and getting out there and getting amongst it.
"I've never played against the calibre of team like that and it definitely gives me heaps of confidence going forward to into the season and tomorrow's trial."
Getting a taste of NRL in both pre-season games against the Broncos and Dolphins, the 20-year-old's focus is now on playing consistent footy while at Piggabeen, with the hope of a first grade call-up later in the year.
"I want to be able to play in the halves at Tweed and hopefully dominate at that level first," Weaver said.
"Obviously, my goal this year is to crack this first grade squad and make my debut, but first I need to start down there and really play well there and be consistent.
"Hopefully that goes a long way to get my debut this year sometime."
The Queensland Cup trial will also feature 18-year-old flyer Keano Kini, who become an overnight sensation with his scintillating second half stint on the Sunshine Coast - finishing the final 40 minutes with 151 running metres, a line break and two tackle breaks.
"I felt really confident out there," he said.
"I was just grateful to get the opportunity to get some game time with the older boys.
"It was a privilege to run out with them and it was really exciting... I loved it."
Set to run out at fullback for the Bears, the Australian Schoolboy star can't wait to face off against some of his fellow Titans teammates in his first Queensland Cup appearance.
"I'm going to be playing with and against some of the boys tomorrow, so it should be good," Kini said.
"I'm really exciting to get the year underway with Burleigh."
Kick-off is at 3pm on Saturday, February 25 at Pizzey Park (juniors field).
Titans in action
Burleigh Bears
- Jacob Alick
- Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui
- Tony Francis
- Keano Kini
- Josiah Pahulu
- Paul Turner
Tweed Seagulls
- Klese Haas
- Treymain Spry
- Joe Vuna
- Tom Weaver
