THE Ipswich Jets lost all three grades in their rugby league trial matches against Burleigh at Redbank Plains on Saturday.
But for the 1500 fans who turned up to watch the Jets, featuring Brisbane Broncos Ben Hannant, Marmin Barba and Daniel Vidot, there was no disappointment.
The Jets lost 22-16 in the main game, 24-16 in Reserve grade and 24-8 in colts.
“The scores were not too much of a concern,” Jets winger Tautalatasi Tasi said.
“It was just a trial match and we were going through our plays.”
The Jets are still mixing up their combinations and Saturday was the first time they had all their players (bar the injured Kurtis Lingwoodock and Matt Parcell) available.
So it was understandable that while some of the plays came off, some didn’t.
“What didn’t work, we will work on at training,” Tasi said.
“Hopefully by the start of the season, we will be ready.”
With a season of first grade under his belt and a solid pre-season, the left winger is bigger, fitter and more confident than previously.
“Hopefully I can show it during the season,” he said.
“Last year was a learning curve for me.
“Coming into this pre-season, I wanted to build on that.”
He played the full second half of the main game, replacing Vidot at the main break.
It gave Tasi the chance to see how the former Canberra Raider and St George Illawarra Dragon first grader up close.
“He did a lot of impressive hit-ups,” Tasi said.
“And I was watching a couple of his moves at the back.”
The Jets still seem no closer to settling on a halfback, with Hayden Lipp, Chris Ash, Ollie Olds and Wes Conlon all having their moments in the number seven jersey.
Thank you to the QT, Jay Buchan and Rob Williams.