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Rugby league great Greg Alexander was left stunned by the Bulldogs’ impressive trials display, while Andrew Voss was equally impressed by the Broncos.
Cameron Ciraldo’s outfit, without a cohort of regular first graders, downed Craig Bellamy’s Storm who were also missing several big-name stars.
The Knights were also impressive, with their depth being highlighted by a huge halves headache Adam O’Brien will have to solve ahead of Round 1.
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Meanwhile, Kevin Walters Brisbane outfit and the Rabbitohs both earnt huge wraps from both Voss and Alexander while speaking on SEN.
Read below for Voss and Alexander’s major takeaways from the first week of trials!
THE BRONCOS ARE SCARY… VERY SCARY
The Broncos downed the Cowboys 46-20 on Sunday afternoon, turning it on in the second half against an inexperienced side.
For Voss, their attacking prowess was clear to see and he believes Walters men could once again push for the premiership.
“Brisbane’s stars are quality,” Voss said.
“There’s no complacency and I think they’ll rip (apart) a lot of teams this year when they are switched on. That was reinforced by a very first glimpse at them this year.”
Alexander echoed Voss’ opinion and pointed to Brisbane’s left edge and how dangerous it could be with several rising stars in the side.
“They lost a host of players and some big names too with Thomas Flegler and Herbie Farnworth moving on,” Alexander said.
“Kurt Capewell also moved to the Warriors (which allows) Brendan Piakura to be an absolute star in the back row for the Broncos this year.
“The left side now looks like Ezra Mam, Selwyn Cobbo at centre and Jesse Arthars or Corey Oates on the wing.
“Piakura in the back row with Reece Walsh involved, they are going to be a handful. That left edge of the Broncos will be talked about for most of the season.”
CAN THE BULLDOGS CARRY THEIR FORM INTO THE 2024 SEASON?
Ciraldo utilised his youth against the Storm and Alexander has singled out two young guns he was very impressed by.
He was also stunned by just how impressive the Bulldogs were in their first hitout of the season, potentially signalling there’s big things to come when the club’s next crop rise through the ranks.
“I (couldn’t believe) how impressive the Dogs were,” Alexander said.
“There are some selection headaches for Cameron Ciraldo. There are questions about who he will play in the halves but the youngsters gave us a picture for the future.
“A whole host of them were impressive such as Joseph O’Neill and Joash Papalii. They are very good and all the chat about the juniors was confirmed on Thursday night.”
Ciraldo also has a huge halves headache on his hands, with both Toby Sexton and Drew Hutchison performing against Melbourne.
Meanwhile, Bronson Xerri’s return from a four-year NRL hiatus was a major success and he could push for a starting spot come Round 1.
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THE RABBITOHS’ FORWARDS ARE ELITE
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For Voss, the Rabbitohs have to be in the equation after their win over the Dragons in the Charity Shield with several middle forwards firing.
“The front row rotation (was excellent),” Voss said
“Tom Burgess, Tavita Tatloa and Sean Keppie who looks like a really good signing. He looks really fit and has some size.
“Then you throw in Davvy Moale off the bench who looks much improved. He’s obviously had another really good off season.
“The Rabbitohs now have a very good front row rotation and the key to South Sydney’s best football is…Damien Cook running off quick play-the-balls and getting over the advantage line.”
THE KNIGHTS HEADACHE THAT WON’T GO AWAY
The Knights have three first-string halves on their books now and one of Tyson Gamble, Jackson Hastings and Jack Cogger is set to miss out.
For Alexander, Cogger, who played for the Panthers in 2023, is a regular first grader and deserves to be starting.
“(Do you have) Jack Cogger in the halves over Jackson Hastings?” Alexander said.
“Based on what I saw, Cogger is a starting first-grader and I don’t know if it’s Jackson Hastings or Tyson Gamble who makes way.
“I’m not sure which is the best combination and I don’t know if Adam O’Brien knows.”
Meanwhile, the emergence of Phoenix Crossland last year also throws a spanner in the works with Jayden Brailey returning from a knee injury.
“He’s also got some decisions to make around the nine,” Alexander said.
“Jayden Brailey, Phoenix Crossland and Riley Jones who was very good.
“They’ve got options and I’m not sure what their best 13 is at the moment.”
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