Key three: Teen Titans surprise all with Dolphins challenge

It has also left the experienced mentor with plenty of healthy headaches ahead of next week's trial in Ipswich due to a number of standout performances over the 80 minutes.

Here are the key talking points from the match:

Teen Titans leave Sunshine Coast proud

In a team that featured 17 uncapped Titans – including eight train-and-trialists and three development rookies – the Titans have left the trial against the Dolphins with their heads held high after impressing against a near full-strength opposition that differed by 1158 games.

With an upset on the cards leading 8-4 at half-time, it was defence that stood tall with a number of crucial goal-line situations which were met with desperation scramble defence to defuse points time and time again.

Whilst the final score blew out to 26-14 by the end with 20 minutes to go when almost all of the 13 on-field were train-and-trial or development players, the next generation of stars certainly took the opportunity given to them with both hands.

The performance is an encouraging debut for the Titans under Des Hasler, with more star power to be added in next week's clash against Parramatta.

Little bro mimics Tino’s efforts

The skipper may have been on the sidelines, but little brother Iszac made sure he kept the Fa’asuamaleaui flame burning brightly in his brother’s absence.

In a mammoth performance, the 20-year-old finished the game with 109 running metres after an impressive opening stint. That time on field saw him make 84 metres to lead the yardage at the break, giving Des Hasler plenty to think about for the season opener in three weeks' time.

Even despite undergoing a head injury assessment midway through the second half, Fa'asuamaleaui was able to return and finish the game as one of the Titans' more experienced men at the ripe old age of 22.

He also made 18 tackles in his time on field.

Selection headaches a coach's delight for Des

Des Hasler will have a tough time picking his side for the second trial at Ipswich next Sunday afternoon after a number of the club’s young squad put their hand up for another shot at the new mentor’s Round 1 side.

The coach would have been looking for effort in defence and he got that in spades.

Like Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui, young forward Josiah Pahulu worked hard and defended strongly, while at the other end of the experience spectrumm, Joe Stimson revelled being back in the middle of the park.

Out wide Ken Maumalo donned the Titans jersey for the first time since joining midway through last year and some strong runs will give Hasler plenty to think about; meanwhile, Tony Francis showed why he was given an upgraded contract over the off-season, scoring the Titans first two tries and showing plenty of strength in defence as well.

Halfback Tom Weaver showed his touch of class and Jaylan De Groot reinforced just how deep the club’s fullback depth chart is with plenty of spark every time he touched the ball.