The St George Illawarra Dragons were 44-4 victors over the Central Queensland Capras at Browne Park, Rockhampton on Saturday.
The Red-and-Whites scored nine tries in a dominant display which included doubles to winger Tom Carr, centre Corey Browne and five-eighth Drew Hutchison to conclude the team’s pre-season trial outings.
Assistant Coach Jason Demetriou, who oversaw the hit-out, had named halfback Josh McCrone captain of the 19-man squad for the game whilst Drew Hutchison started in the halves and Adam Quinlan featured as fullback.
Additionally, National Youth Competition team duo Jacob Host and Blake Lawrie were also named as well as eight players from the Illawarra Cutters squad.
The visitors were the quickest off the mark when play had commenced and seized five unanswered tries by the halfhour mark.
Local Helensburgh Tigers junior Tom Carr was the first on the scoresheet after being the recipient of a smart ball out to the right by centre Corey Browne in the eighth minute.
This was followed-up by fellow local Albion Park-Oak Flats Eagles junior Drew Hutchison’s fancy footwork enroute to the white stripe three minutes later.
Browne himself soon got his name on the scoresheet after capitalising off a mistake by the home side just prior to the midway point of the half.
Unfortunately, centre Taane Milne had been unable to convert his three opportunities from the tee.
Carr soon displayed some aerial dynamics to score his second of the encounter in the 25th minute.
Browne followed suit with his own double-brace after benefiting off fullback Adam Quinlan’s darting run five minutes after.
Dragons halfback Blake Wallace had taken over kicking duties and managed to convert on his two attempts to make it 22-0.
Unfortunately, the Capras managed a try prior to the interval through utility Peter Gallen in the 33rd minute.
The visitors held their Queensland Cup opposition scoreless for the ensuing stanza while managing to score a further four tries themselves.
The visitors commenced their scoring through Quinlan nine minutes in before winger Kalifa Faifai Loa did likewise in the 57th minute.
A nifty diagonal run by Hutchison proved too hard for the home side to handle eleven minutes from time which allowed the pivot his second try of the game.
Dragons second-rower Chris Lewis additionally scored just prior to the siren.
Dragons winger Kalifa Faifai Loa had taken over kicking duties for the second period of play and converted three of his four attempts.
St George Illawarra Dragons 44. Tries: Carr (2), Browne (2), Hutchison (2), Quinlan, Faifai Loa, Lewis. Goals: Milne (0/3), Wallace (1/2), Faifai Loa (3/4).
Central Queensland Capras 4. Try: Gallen. Goal: Pena (0/1).
