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Newcastle 40 defeated South Newcastle 6, Newcastle 32 defeated Central Charlestown 18 / Raymond Terrace 0.

Newcastle's trials against local sides South Newcastle, Central Charlestown and Raymond Terrace went without a hitch as the pre-season preparation continued for the Knights. The first match against Souths was won 40-6 by the NRL side, and the second match (one half each against Central and Terrace) was taken out 32-18.

Aquila Uate won most plaudits, scoring three tries in the first match to set tongues wagging. Few players who have yet to play first grade have as much hype surrounding them as Uate does, and his speed and stepping increased the expectation levels another few notches. He showed the willingness to back his pace and tip-toe down the sideline for two of his tries, before cutting in-field at the last moment.

Adam and Luke MacDougall both scored in their return from serious injuries, while new recruits Cameron Ciraldo, Ben Cross and Matt Hilder also got the scoreboard ticking over. The only injury concern was Ben Cross, who injured ribs when he collided with Ciraldo.

What they said:

Opoerations Manager Warren Smiles:
"Apart from Crossy's bump on the ribs and a couple of blokes with corks, we got through with no injuries again, which is always pleasing in trials."
"We've got a couple of blokes with niggly hamstrings, Danny Wicks and Junior Sau, so they're still a bit doubtful, but apart from that we should have pretty much everyone available for Cronulla next week."