The Kaiviti Silktails opened their 2025 Jersey Flegg Cup pre-season campaign with a tough trial outing against the Gold Coast Titans U21 side on the Gold Coast.
In a match designed to test combinations and depth, the Silktails utilised 26 players across the contest, with 13 players pulling on the Silktails jersey for the very first time. Coach Timoce Duve mixed and matched two separate line-ups, blending debutants with returning players from last year’s Jersey Flegg squad as he assessed combinations ahead of the season opener.
Quarter-by-Quarter Summary
• 1st Quarter: Titans 10 – Silktails 0
• 2nd Quarter: Titans 10 – Silktails 0
• 3rd Quarter: Titans 24 – Silktails 8
• 4th Quarter: Titans 34 – Silktails 8
The Titans struck early, running in two tries in each of the opening quarters to take a 10-0 lead into halftime with rookie five-eight Atunaisa Koba and lock Seva Tavotu both being sin binned for foul play. Despite the scoreboard pressure, the Silktails continued to rotate players and experiment with combinations as planned.
The third quarter saw a strong response from the visitors. Centre Tevita Wanisi crossed for a determined try, before hooker John Lee followed with another, both unconverted, as the Silktails began to find rhythm through the middle and out wide.
However, the Titans capitalised late in the final quarter, running in additional tries to stretch the final margin to 34-8.
Coach’s Comments
Head Coach Timoce Duve was encouraged by the effort shown, particularly from the younger brigade making their first appearance in Silktails colours.
“I was pleased particularly with the efforts of our younger players. They showed good energy and intent,” Duve said.
“But we need better execution and discipline from some of our senior players. That’s an area we’ll continue to work on.”
Duve emphasised the importance of testing the squad in challenging pre-season fixtures.
“We wanted to test ourselves in hard trial matches this pre-season before we take on the Penrith Panthers in Round 1.”
The Silktails have opted against taking a week off prior to the competition kickoff on March 7, mindful that they have the bye in Round 3 this season.
“We have opted to play four matches fresh out of our pre-season as we believe that will hold us in better stead with four other scheduled byes and a representative round during the season.”
Looking Ahead
Next up, the Silktails travel to North Lakes, Brisbane, where they will face reigning NRL Queensland champions the Dolphins in what shapes as an even tougher hit-out.
Duve is expected to field close to his strongest available team for at least a full half in that match, as combinations begin to settle ahead of their Round 1 clash against the Penrith Panthers.
While the scoreboard favored the Titans, the trial delivered exactly what the Silktails were after — valuable game time, exposure for new talent, and key lessons as preparations continue for the 2025 Jersey Flegg season.
