12 NRL players in weekend trials

Seasoned NRL performer Eddy Pettybourne will put on the Titans jersey for the first time at Les Burger Field at Cabarita tomorrow, one of 12 players from the Titans NRL squad involved in trials over the weekend.

The tough back-rower/prop will be one of four NRL players who will bolster Ben Woolf’s under-20s extended squad which will have a hit-out against the Tweed Heads Seagulls. He will joined by Kevin Gordon, who returns from hip and knee injuries and triallists Leva Li and Agnatius Paasi.

The Seagulls will field Matt Srama, Davin Crampton and triallists Damien Sironen and Jai Ingram in the clash that starts at 3.30pm.

Meanwhile, Burleigh Bears take on Ipswich Jets in a trial at Firth Park, Mudgeeraba, with a 5.30pm kick-off (junior trials start at 2.30pm). Jamie Dowling, a Bears junior, and David Hala will play for Burleigh.

“It’s a chance for our triallists to have another opportunity to impress and a chance for the coaching staff to have another look at them,” said head coach Neil Henry.

“I’m looking forward to see Leva have a run in the centres after he played well on the wing in Toowoomba.

“Eddy and Dave Hala could do with the match fitness. Eddy missed a bit of training through illness after joining the club and a cut mouth restricted David’s minutes against the Warriors.

“It’s a bit of back to the future for Kevvie who debuted for the club in under-20s way back; he’s finally right to go after overcoming his injuries and after a long layoff and it will be good for ‘JD’ to get some more game time under his belt.”

Woolf has picked a strong side for the clash with 26 of his squad in the 30-man line-up. Oshea Tuiasau and Parahi Wilson return from long-term injuries. Other squad members will play in Burleigh and Tweed under-20s trials.

The under-20s line-up is: