BY DAN

Rugby league stories are told throughout the year, but in February they’re told with hope. Every team grasps on to a yarn that this year might be different. One might think this is insane behaviour, but it’s entirely rational. Why start the battle for redemption if you think you’re going to lose?

Trials are a test of that hope. Simply because the picture lacks detail, the few skerricks we get from these games becomes the basis for dreams, or not. Still, you can’t eat hope, and so Stuart uses the time to test depth, and work out if there’s anything to learn about the weapons he has in his arsenal.

His focus is on the centres, according to the Canberra Times. Stuart told them he’d “be using these trials as an opportunity to get a little bit of an idea on some areas that we’ve got some depth in positions.” The Times say that’s the centres, with Savelio Tamale and Simi Sasagi pressing both Seb Kris and Matt Timoko. Given what happened in 2025, that’s hardly surprising. I expect the presumptive starters to hold their leads in those positions, but the trials will tell us more.

Is there more of interest to be found in these games? Stuart may not think so, but there’s plenty else we’ll be watching. The first of the trials is traditionally only for the depth players, so we’re not going to get a final ruling on Matt Timoko et al. But there are other things we’ll be looking for:

Who’s the getting first grade minutes at 9?

We’d be shocked if Tom Starling sees more than 20 minutes of footy this entire trial period. I am fairly certain that when March 7 comes, he’ll be wearing the starter’s nine. My preference is that he’s joined in that squad by Owen Pattie. Since signing Brailey there have been enough indicators that they rate him as a real first grade option. And if the Danny Levi experience has taught us anything it’s that if the club tells you something you should believe them.

So given that, whomst should we expect to get the backup minutes to Tom? Tuesday’s teamlist might be an indicator, but we’ll be watching minute splits, and more importantly when those minutes occur. It’s a mini-test of the youth policy; Jayden Brailey is proven at the NRL level, but Owen Pattie is the future.

Does Coby Black play?

Coby Black was injured in December and we found out in January. Since then, we haven’t really heard much, and a man can be forgiven for wondering what’s the deal with the lack of news. It’s not the first time. Remember when Corey Horsburgh was out for months, unexplained, and it turned out he’d had pneumonia?

It’s not going to determine things early. Sanders has been given the job, we know that much. But I am keen to see Black on the field at some point, for him, but also selfishly for me. Canberra could have a real talent there. It would be great if it was now, as long as he’s physically ready.

If not, then we are just keen to see what else Canberra have in terms of depth. Jalen Afamasaga has played in the halves in Cup. Ethan Alaia is dynamite, and for me projects as a fullback/five-eighth type. Can either be the kind of seven that can manage a game, should backup be needed earlier than Coby Black is ready?

How is Daine Laurie deployed?

Because if not, then we want to see how Daine Laurie is used. We expect him to feature as depth for fullback, and five-eighth. Ethan Strange won’t play more than 25 minutes over the next fortnight, so our presumption is that Laurie sees some minutes with the first-string side playing at six. But he could also be used at other positions.

Laurie won’t determine how the Raiders go this year, but given he’s with Canberra for the next three years, we’d love to see a productive role for him. This will be our first chance to confirm just where the club thinks that is.

What role do young depth players play?

Canberra have clear first-string team, at least in the sense of 18 or 19 players that are largely uncontroversially first choice. They also have some really interesting depth at those positions that we’re keen to see get a run. Sione Finau we’ve harped on all off-season. Chevy Stewart should play big minutes through the trials, but beyond that? Saxon Innes is someone who has popped up in player vox pops as getting a run at centre. Jed Stuart has looked massive in the club’s social media. Jake Clydsdale and Vena Patuki-Case are middles who’ve been around the club a while, and may be ready to start pushing their claims for first grade. Myles Martin should be ready to do just that.

We might not get clarity across the park about these players, but a few indicators would suffice, for various reasons. Finau in particular will likely play first grade this season and it will be important to see a good showing that he’s ready. Similarly Chevy Stewart may require injury, but I would prefer he prove he’s the next best fullback. The others would like to show they are moving in the right direction.

Where do Matty Nicholson, Zac Hosking, Simi Sasagi fit?

Along with Hudson Young, I am certain these three players will be the face of Canberra’s backrow. How they will fill out that role I am not sure. Last off-season Stick was certain that a second off-season would see Matty Muffins with even more physical ability. Does that mean staying on the right edge? Do they go back to Hosking and Sasagi hurting teams with pace through the middle? Or is Sasagi really going to be a regular option at centre?

These are just bits of the picture the trials will allow us to start sketching an outline from. A few minutes here, a rotation there, a glimpse of a kid who looks ready or a veteran who looks sharper than expected. It’s all just bits and bobs and a bit extra to fuel the hope that can sustain. But bits of information are better than nothing, no matter how much Coach Stuart hates them.

At least until the real stuff starts.

The Sportress is transitioning away from Facebook and Twitter for distribution so sign up to the email below before we disappear from your feed altogether. Don’t hesitate to send us feedback (dan@sportress.org) or comment below if you think we are stupid. Or if we’re not.