Dubbo Rhinos 'positive' in first trial game of 2021

The Rhinos might have been beaten by the Griffith Blacks at Barden Park in their first hit-out for 2021 but Sandry said it was "a very positive" day for his club.

After back-to-back wooden spoons in the New Holland Agriculture Cup the past two seasons there's been an improved feeling around the club during pre-season and it's clear to Sandry that feeling is not confined to the playing group.

"The first 60 minutes there was some terrific signs and I spoke to some of the old boys who came and watched and that were really impressed and reckon there's a big chance for the Rhinos to step forward this season," Sandry said.

"Our real focus is on discipline and defence. That's what we talk about at training and before a game."

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There was a number of regulars and key first grade players who took part in Saturday's match while a number of newcomers to the club also ran out for the first time.

Sandry was impressed by those players, with Kieran Hill earning praise for his efforts at fullback having played little union previously.

Kel Rumble's performance was also labelled "terrific" but Sandry was particularly excited by new flyhalf, Nash Forgione.

Sandry was already keen to see the former Geurie captain in black and gold given they had worked together during Forgione's junior days, but the coach is even more positive after getting a glimpse of a new-look backline on the weekend.

"It was a really good hit-out. We're still a few weeks away from peaking and that's good," Sandry said, before speaking about key recruit Forgione.

"He was really strong at number 10. He only played half the game but the early signs indicate he's going to be a great pick-up for us."

Of the Rhinos regulars, Brady Brooks was a standout after limited chances to train during pre-season while captain Matt Graham, Brett Austin and James Dodd also got through plenty of work.

"There's some work to do but there were good signs," Sandry added.

The coach said his side's work in defence will be a focus between now and the Rhinos' first New Holland Agriculture Cup match against Mudgee on April 17.