Matt Moylan, Jack Bird: 10 burning questions for the first week of NRL trials

POSITIONAL switches, a bitter feud and the return of the ultimate journeyman are just some of the NRL questions that could be answered this weekend.

Sharks Jack Bird pictured during The Auckland Nines at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand. Pic Jenny Evans

TRIALS are the very definition of a necessary evil.

They’re one of the few times when the results truly don’t matter, it’s all about working out the kinks from the off season, trying new players in new positions and giving the youngsters a chance to shine.

With a host of NRL trials taking place all across the country this weekend we’ve come up with 10 burning questions we hope will be answered in this round of the pre-season.

What can we expect from Bevan French?

He was the breakout star of the Auckland Nines and Bevan French will have his first real shot at the Eels fullback jersey when Parramatta take on the Titans in Alice Springs.

French set the Nines on fire and ended the tournament as the leading try-scorer, showcasing his pace, instinct and positional play.

According to Eels coach Brad Arthur French, who is still eligible for the under-20s, is unlikely to start the season in first grade.

The Eels hadn’t anticipated French assuming the custodian role until 2017 but if he stars in the Northern Territory new recruit Michael Gordon might have a few sleepless nights before the season opener against the Broncos.

What will we see from the Titans?

The Titans were the surprise packet of the Auckland Nines and managed to rumble all the way to the semi-finals on the back of some inspired play from big man Agnatius Paasi, who was named to the team of the tournament.

He’ll start alongside David Shillington in the front row against Parramatta as he attempts to keep his excellent form going — but the drop kicks and bombs might have to be put back in the kit bag until next year’s tournament.

Alongside Shillington, who joins from the Raiders, fellow new recruits Ashley Taylor, Chris McQueen, Nathan Friend and Zeb Taia will also have their first proper run of the new season, as will exciting outside back prospect Brian Kelly.

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Can Matt Moylan play five-eighth?

Have you heard that some people think Matt Moylan is reminiscent of a young Darren Lockyer? It’s been mentioned once or twice. While the comparisons to a future Immortal are premature, Moylan does have class to burn and a rare gift for ball-playing and the newly crowned Panthers skipper’s move to the halves seems to be a matter of when, not if.

Matt Moylan will play a little bit of five-eighth for the Panthers.

He’s been named at fullback for their trial against the Bulldogs but there’s speculation that he’ll spend at least a little bit of time in the halves and seeing how he deals with the switch could go a long way to determining his positional future for this season.

Is the Farah saga done?

The Tigers will be getting part of the band back together on the Sunshine Coast against the Storm with Robbie Farah, Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses all named in the starting side.

This could mean that the Days of Our Lives-esque feud between Farah and Jason Taylor is mercifully drawing to a close and the former skipper will start the season as the Tigers hooker which would be a low key end to the saga that has engulfed the club for the better part of six months.

On a brighter note, the Tigers will also be giving Josh Addo-Carr a chance to prove his wares on the wing and a good performance will put him right in the frame for a first grade debut in Round 1.

Is Jack Bird really going to play fullback?

When you’ve got one of the best up and coming fullbacks in the game and a former Dally M Medallist — who won the title wearing the No. 1 jersey — on the books there’s only one option, right?

That’s right, you move the reigning rookie of the year from the halves to fullback.

Jack Bird enjoyed an excellent first season in the NRL last year at five-eighth and seemed certain to slot into the centres this year after playing much of his junior football in the outside backs.

But instead Shane Flanagan will progress with his plan to play Bird at fullback and has named him at the back for the trial match against Manly.

Valentine Holmes, who showed flashes of brilliance at fullback last season, will be pushed out to the wing and if Bird manages to combine well with Chad Townsend and James Maloney he’ll likely lock up the position.

Arana Taumata has joined his eighth club.

How many clubs for Arana Taumata?

Cronulla new-boy Arana Taumata has been given an eighth career lifeline by the Sharks.

Having passed through the Bulldogs, Cowboys, Panthers, Broncos, Roosters, Storm and Tigers at the age of 26, Taumata will hope that his immense on-field talent can, for the first time in his career, outweigh his troublesome off-field antics.

Can Mann be the man for the Dragons?

The Dragons fullback spot is there for the taking for anyone that can convince Paul McGregor they are up to the task of relinquishing Josh Dugan from his duty.

The Charity Shield looms as a massive game for Kurt Mann who receives his first real opportunity to stake a claim for the number one jumper.

Damian Cook has joined the Rabbitohs from Canterbury.

Who will seize the hooking job for Souths?

Six months ago Cameron McInnes thought he had the Rabbitohs round one hooking role sewn up.

Enter Damien Cook. The former Bulldog caught the eye of Michael Maguire after a series of stunning late-season performances in place of the injured Michael Lichaa.

The fight for the No. 9 jersey at South Sydney has become one of the battles of the pre-season with the Charity Shield looming as a vital game for both men.

Will Russell Packer be a success?

Russell Packer makes his long-awaited debut for the Red V in what will be his first game in the top grade since serving one year in jail for assault.

Placing the hype of the return aside, the former Kiwi international’s size and strength may be just what the Dragons need to lay a platform for their backline.

Originally published as Matt Moylan, Jack Bird: 10 burning questions for the first week of NRL trials