Trial a chance for Dolphins duo to shine

Dolphins NRL Assistant Coach Nathan Fien can’t wait to see Sean O’Sullivan and Jake Averillo press their claims for spots in the starting side, when the club takes on the Cowboys on February 14 in the Pre-Season Challenge.

Fien will coach the team, which has a blend of NRL experience and emerging talent, for the clash in Cairns (7pm kick off).

“We’re all set, ready to go … a lot of very excited boys out there. We came off our trial last week, so there’s been a few young boys who have been rewarded and get another opportunity this week,” Fien says.

“Some of our top 30 also get the chance to press their claims this week, nice and early, against probably a young Cowboys side that’s in the same boat as us. They’ve got a mix of experience.

“I know the boys are really excited to get out there and, I guess, showcase what they’ve been doing over the offseason.”

While it won’t be a team packed with NRL stars, Fien says trial games, such as this one, are an important part of preseason leading into round one.

“I think it’s just a matter of getting some combinations together and getting some confidence in the work that you’ve done over the preseason, seeing how it actually unfolds in live situations,” he explains.

“Everyone at this time of year thinks they’re fitter, faster, stronger but until you actually get out there and kick a ball and make a tackle in anger, you don’t really know where you’re at.

“I guess it’s a real grounding for the team. We’ve got some experienced guys looking to press their claims and hopefully get an opportunity to play next week as they lead into round one.”

Ready to step up

Among those keen to prove themselves are halfback and this week’s captain Sean O’Sullivan, and Jake Averillo who will play at five-eighth.

“He (O’Sullivan) gets an opportunity to captain what is a pretty young team. So, he needs to show his leadership qualities there,” Fien says.

“He’s been exceptional all preseason … just getting on with the job, putting his best foot forward. The way he runs a team is probably one of his greatest assets. We’re going to lean on him this weekend.”

Averillo will also be looking to impress after a strong preseason.

“It is a big game. Him and Kodi Nikorima have both been doing some reps over the preseason in the halves. Kodi’s playing in the All Stars game this weekend. Jake gets an opportunity to press those claims,” Fien says.

“He’s done a fantastic job at the back end of last year when he’s had to fill in and do the job for us. If he shoots the lights out on the weekend, which we expect him to do, he’ll definitely be putting his name up for selection (in) round one.

“He’s a kid that … has got all the skills to develop into a really good five-eighth. He showed at the back end of last year the talents that he does have there.

“Playing week-in, week-out is a different beast. I guess that’s why he’s done a lot of reps this preseason, just trying to get the continuity of what’s required from a game management side of things.

“I’m excited to watch him play as I know Woolfie is. If he plays well, it’s only going to create a headache for Woolfie in terms of that selection (for) round one.”

In good shape

Fien says he’s happy with how the broader squad is shaping up ahead of round one.

“Guys like Daniel Saifiti and Tommy Gilbert back on the field … they add a lot of punch to our forward pack. I guess just their leadership qualities around the group is what has probably been missing … Tommy (has had) back-to-back injuries over the last couple of seasons … he was a really big loss for us,” he explains.

“He’s definitely providing, I guess, maybe a missing piece that we didn’t quite have last year. I know he’s very excited to get out there and play as is D Saf … looking forward to his debut whether it’s next week or round one.

“We’ve got some quality players and the group’s shaping up really well.”

So, is Gilbert expected to return to the field for next weekend’s trial game against the Titans at Kayo Stadium?

“That’s the plan. We’ll just have to see how he finishes off his last parts of rehabilitation, but he’s looking good when he’s been out on the field, getting his reps in. He’s in full contact now, so we’re hopeful we’ll see him out there next week,” Fien says.