The Kaiviti Silktails produced a spirited first-half display before the Dolphins powered away late to claim a 40-4 victory in their trial clash.
In what was a strong and physical opening stanza, the Silktails matched the reigning NRLQ Champions through the middle, completing at 73 per cent in a disciplined first-half effort. The contest was evenly poised for long periods, with both sides trading sets and testing each other’s defensive resolve.
However, a decisive late possession swing saw the Dolphins dominate the closing stages of the half. A 23-15 set count in favour of the Dolphins piled pressure on the Silktails’ defensive line, resulting in three late tries that pushed the halftime score out to 18-0. While the scoreboard reflected Dolphins control, the Silktails’ commitment and resilience in the early exchanges highlighted the progress made during their Gold Coast preparations.
The second half unfolded as planned by Silktails coach Timoce Duve, who rotated much of his likely Round 1 side ahead of their upcoming clash with the Panthers. The focus shifted to giving emerging players valuable exposure against elite opposition.
“I was really happy with our first half and the late possession swing put us under the pump and we conceded three late tries that we will need to address for the Panthers game,” Duve said. “The plan was to have a solid first half hit out and start the first ten minutes of the second half well then get them off.”
With several senior players rested, the Silktails’ younger brigade embraced the challenge despite the Dolphins extending their lead. Eparama Kikau was among those who benefited from extended minutes, playing the full 80 in a demanding contest.
“The second half was about getting our young boys an opportunity against the current NRL Q champions and some players that needed the minutes such as Eparama Kikau who played the full 80,” Duve added. “Although the scoreline got away from them they kept turning up and these are all valuable lessons for these 18 and 19 year olds. That finished the game for us.”
While the Dolphins capitalised on fatigue and experience to run in further tries after the break, the Silktails’ effort and physicality remained evident to the final whistle.
“All in all I wanted tough trial games unlike last year and that’s what we got and I’m really happy with that,” Duve said. “Last year was about getting wins in trials to build confidence — this year was about getting the best opposition we could find in QLD and take that into rounds one and two before the bye.”
The Silktails will now finalise their squad and preparations at their Currumbin base on the Gold Coast before travelling to Sydney on Friday. Forward Seva Tovotu will miss the next month as he completes a suspension stemming from the trial against the Titans. He, along with two other players, will return to Fiji.
There was positive news, however, with Silktails skipper Gabriel Rawamila set to return next week after being rested due to stitches in his head.
Despite the result, the Silktails leave the trial phase battle-hardened and focused, having tested themselves against top-tier Queensland opposition ahead of the season proper.
