Okay so let me see what I can remember, I know I made a heap of mistakes in calls in the second half due to the jersey swapping but some stuff I am certain of...
Nathan Davis - First up, he is looking huge. Those that saw him last year could attest that he was somewhat gangly but he certainly hit the gym over the preseason. He started the game at left centre but then rotated to fullback and simply tore the Tigpies to shreds. Tackle busting runs, silky cut out balls and towering bombs, he got involved in everything in the first half. The Wenty backline is loaded with young talent this year but gee he might make things interesting.
Bevan French - Alas, in the chaos of the great jersey swapping of February the 6th I believe I incorrectly credited that scything 50m kick return to Bevan French instead of Shane Hunt. Sorry Shane. Even so, French was well involved today with superb support play and more than a hint of play-making ability on either edge. Pleasingly he really didn't look too small out there, especially given the comparisons to Marmin Barba he might evoke, and I am excited to see what he can do moving forwards.
Alex Twal - Started the game with a bang by steam rolling through up the middle and putting French over under the sticks. He didn't relent afterwards and showed that he can play at the line with short balls and offloads. Looks to be a pretty complete modern bookend and will help anchor the pack.
Tom Amone - My first real glimpse at this Australian Schoolboys rep and I have to admit I was a bit concerned considering the club has him billed at 178CM. He really didn't look that short and he certainly has a well built frame, which he used well across several strong carries. Dominated the ruck in conjunction with Twal and I will keep an eye on him in the future.
Abbas Miski - The big surprise packet of the trial. Cleaned up on the wing as far as scoring tries went but had plenty more to offer. The club has listed him at 180CM and he looked pretty stocky but he burned the Tigers a few times with his speed. Good work ethic around the ruck coupled with decent impact there too was nice. Nice beard as well.
Tyrell Fuimaono - A dominant force on the right edge. Such a well balanced edge forward with a wonderful offload. The Tigers couldn't contain him and at one point he planted their centre on his arse with a fend of seismic proportions en route to laying on a second or third try assist.
Shane Hunt - As above, mixed him up with Bevan French but he looked to have some serious jet skates on. Not sure where he stands in the over all pecking order but it was a nice showing.
Michael Doolan - One of two SG Ball players to be retained in the NYC squad, along with Reimis Smith. Doolan started the game at left half and looked pretty good in my opinion. Ran the ball with confidence and laid on a try for Davis with a slick grubber. Shifted to fullback in the second half, if I recall correctly, but his performance in the halves was encouraging.
Reimis Smith - The other SG Ball player and the right centre for this game. Thought he put together a really solid game, nothing overly fancy but he gave Miski and then #18 a steady supply of quality ball in try scoring situations and laid on a lovely little try with a step to the corner post and a flick ball inside. Had the benefit of working with Fuimaono and the entire edge really shone.
Other solid performer include Brandon Raeli, Tui Olaopu, Johnathan Moses and Aaron Pene.
You can dish out plenty of soft credit when your team racks up a 52-12 scoreline based purely on tries but that was a very encouraging effort. Our 'A' team only conceded the solitary try and in an effort that would make Wally Lewis proud, completely dictated terms to the Tigers.
