The performance of the Dubbo Kangaroos in Saturday's trial match at Tamworth gave new coach Paul Hausia a headache.
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And that's the way he likes it.
The Roos ran out victors over the Tamworth Pirates on Saturday in a promising showing ahead of the new Blowes Clothing Cup season.
While the scoreline was pleasing, there was one major thing Hausia took out of the game.
"What is clear is picking a first grade starting 15 this year will be really hard," the coach said.
"Some of the players who stood out were not the ones I expected.
"It's just made our job as coaches harder but there's nothing better than a healthy challenge."
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A number of the Roos' key figures like Filisione Pauta, Hamish Gordon, and Tim Beach all took part in the match but there was plenty of newcomers, fringe players, and youngsters who also staked their claim for first grade time this season.
That's something Hausia has been keen to instill in the players, as he wants people pushing for a place in first grade rather than him calling on people to fill certain positions.
"We probably had 20 players on the sideline and every single one of them knew what they had to do," Hausia said.
"The collaboration between players, they all got along.
"I said I don't just want them to play the game, I want them to play for each other.
"My whole thing is the culture within the club and the culture within each team."
Max Rumble, Harry Eggleton, and Jack Isbester were among the young players who have impressed Hausia and the coach sees them as "the future of the club".
"Our job is to just get the potential out of them," the coach added.
As well as the younger players coming out of colts, a group of Fijian players new to the club are also pushing for time in first grade.
Hausia said there was roughly eight Fijian players around the club and they are already adding plenty.
"They add flair to the game. They carry the ball in one hand like a tennis ball and it worries you as a coach but you have to expect the unexpected," he said.
Hausia will also coach the Roos' colts this season and he's hopeful that side will have a trial against Bathurst's St Stanislaus College in the coming weeks.
The Blowes Clothing Cup season starts April 17.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
