Tyrell Smith, Jason Saunders and Dylan Craigie-Duke went with first grade coach Chris Binge who said all three performed well, but it was arguably the performance of Saunders which caught the eye.

“Jase was outstanding,” he said.

“He played a few games at fullback and had some really good touches and set up what I thought was the best try of the day.

“They kicked downfield and he picked up the ball, put two left foot steps on the centre and winger and raced down the sideline before drawing the fullback to send his teammate over untouched.”

Seventeen-year-old winger Smith and forward Craigie-Duke also performed well in the trials for the under 18 side, with Craigie-Duke holding his own in the middle of the field.

“It was a bit difficult for Dill because he was playing against all the big Polynesian boys, but I felt he was up to the challenge and he definitely gave himself every opportunity to be selected,” Binge said.

While Smith also performed well, Binge thought he may have been overawed by the occasion.

“Sometimes they do, but in saying that he didn’t do any damage either. One thing about both Tyrell and Dill is they have time on their side,” he said.

Binge said the experience gained by the juniors was an indication the Boomerangs club were heading in the right direction.

“Our priority is to nurture the talent we have here and if we’re doing that, we’re doing our job as a club,” he said.

“There’s a few players in the club that I have no doubt could play at least NSW Cup level in Dillon Walford and Jamie Sampson. Once they reach that level anything is possible.

“It’s good to see NRL clubs are looking at clubs such as the Boomerangs for players.