Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire full of praise for Toowoomba hooker

Michael Maguire impressed with Toowoomba’s Jake Simpkin after strong trial outing for Wests Tigers.

Jake Simpkin. Photo: QRL Media

RUGBY LEAGUE: Jake Simpkin has made a strong impression in his first outing for the season.

The Toowoomba product started at hooker for the Wests Tigers in their 28-22 trial loss to the Sydney Roosters.

Interchanging with Jacob Liddle throughout the contest, a sharp Simpkin earned praise from Tigers coach Michael Maguire.

“I was really pleased with him,” he said.

“It’s his first game back for a long time. He gets out and probes well as a dummy half and he’s got a good composure among what he does.

“The two hookers showed themselves.

“Those two showed some good signs throughout the game and it's the first time.”

Simpkin is expected to be named again for the Tigers when they take on Manly at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday.

Dalby’s Beau Fermor started in the back row for the Gold Coast Titans in their narrow 36-34 defeat to Burleigh on Friday night.

In Townsville, Abelee Stanley was able to see solid gametime for the Indigenous All Stars in their 24-0 defeat to the Maori All Stars.

The 18-year-old came on in the second half, playing in the centres and holding her own in a defeated side.