St George Illawarra have their fingers crossed that history isn’t repeating as they await scan results on Josh Dugan’s knee.
NSW Origin star Dugan seems certain to be ruled out of the Dragons’ World Club Challenge campaign in England and could miss the start of the NRL season after hyper-extending his left knee in Saturday night’s 12-all draw with South Sydney in the Charity Shield.
Dugan sustained a similar injury in the same game last year and was forced to sit out the first five rounds of the season.
He is to undergo scans on Monday.
Club officials are confident the problem is not as serious this time but next week’s World Club Challenge is likely too soon for him, with the Dragons due to fly out in two groups on Tuesday and Wednesday.
In other weekend trials news, Gold Coast forward Ben Ridge could be facing up to three months on the sidelines if scans confirm a torn pectoral muscle after being forced off early in the Titans’ 22-12 win over the Warriors in Toowoomba.
Big names looking for a fresh start, Blake Ferguson and Ben Barba both impressed in their first outings for the Sydney Roosters and Cronulla respectively.
Former Canberra bad boy Ferguson scored both of his NSW Cup strength team’s 36-8 trial loss to Penrith, crossing twice in the first half before being rested in the second spell.
Barba also stood out in a losing effort, creating a try for winger Jacob Gagan with a pinpoint cross-field kick and combining with Anthony Tupou to put on a four-pointer for Michael Gordon in the Sharks’ 42-22 loss to Manly.
Significantly lighter than last year, the former Dally M Medal winning fullback relished his new playmaking role alongside Jeff Robson in his 30 minutes on the field.
“We’ve been working really hard all off-season and I think we always knew we were probably going to be the halves pairing.
“So we got together quite a lot in team drills and I think we worked pretty well together. His (Robson’s) job is to organise and I just run off the back of him – he makes my job a lot easier.
“Not to sound cocky, but I worked pretty hard with Flanno (coach Shane Flanagan) and the coaching staff on my game and to drop the weight and try and get real fit again so I can play my best football.
“I’m pretty happy with how I went so I’m just looking forward to playing some more football.
“I lost about 2-3 kilos and I can definitely feel it out there in the legs. It’s good to feel fast and nippy again and I’m excited about this game and hopefully it can continue,” Barba said.
Wayne Bennett’s first match of his second spell as Brisbane coach ended in defeat to North Queensland in Mackay on Saturday.
Former Broncos hooker Jake Granville came back to haunt his old team as the Cowboys ran out 18-6 winners.
New Zealand international Adam Blair impressed on Broncos debut as did fellow recruit James Gavet.
Cowboys fullback Lachlan Coote – back from a knee reconstruction – gave coach Paul Green a scare when he received treatment for a head knock in the second half.
Canberra young gun Mitch Cornish is one step closer to securing the Raiders’ halfback spot following the Green Machine’s 32-20 NRL trial win over Melbourne in Griffith.
Cornish showcased his excellent kicking game and created a try for centre Hayden Hodge following a mazy cross-field run.
Barnstorming prop Luke Page also put himself in the frame for a first-grade berth with a brutish display.
