Pirates might have gone down to a strong Dubbo outfit in their trial on Saturday but coaches Mick Squires and Todd Pascoe were "very happy" with what they saw, the performance only serving to reinforce the depth they have at their disposal.
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After a year on the sidelines the game was a chance to blow out the cobwebs, and for Squires and Pascoe a chance to get a gauge on some of the new faces and some of last year's under-18s.
They saw plenty to like, despite the 25-20 result. Bar the likes of captain Conrad Starr, Barton Leach, Jackson Sharpe and Mitch Dening, a lot of their regular first graders watched from the sidelines of Ken Chillingworth Oval or were tied up with other commitments.
"Our younger guys coming through and some of the new faces played really well," Squires said.
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Starr concurred, highlighting one of the most pleasing things to come out of the game as the confidence the younger players showed that they can step up to the top grade.
"They've made a mark now and so those guys that couldn't trial today they've got to step up at training and our next trial to make sure they get their spot because there was some really good performances out there today," he said.
Jack Redfern was one that particularly impressed him.
He had previously coached the breakaway/hooker at primary school and later Calrossy, but a knee injury has kept him out of the game for a couple of years.
"It was great to see him back and great to see him out there today punching above his weight," Starr said.
"Young Jack Power as well, he came on at nine, he really impressed as well."
His first hit-out since their [one-and-only] trial with Maitland and Merewether last year, Starr enjoyed being back out there.
"It was good fun to be out there and playing a bit of footy again," he said.
There is a lot of excitement around both what they are trying to achieve - a record fifth straight premiership - and the side they are building. With the players slated to return this season they are shaping up to be a stronger outfit than in 2019.
As Starr qualified they will also be older, But that has shown to be more an advantage than hindrance, especially when it comes to the big games.
"Everyone's excited, which is good, and there's a good atmosphere around and just really keen to get into the season," he said.
They have another trial against Nelson Bay on March 27.
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