NRL pre-season round-up: Valentine Holmes returns, Jai Field appears for Parramatta, Cameron King injured

James Messenger 23 Feb 2020 2:47 PM

Here’s a round-up of what happened in the latest set of NRL pre-season fixtures.

Tyrone May made his first appearance since 2018 as Penrith scored five unanswered tries to win 32-4 against Wests Tigers.

The utility back was appearing on the pitch for the first time since his part in a sex-tape scandal, and will be eligible to return in round five of the NRL season. He scored one of five unanswered second half tries as the Panthers produced a commanding display.

Tom Burgess starred as South Sydney’s largely under-strength side toppled Parramatta 28-24 at Ringrose Park.

With a number of first-team stars in action for the All Stars game, Wayne Bennett named a number of their Canterbury Cup squad. Nevertheless, Burgess led the way with a second-half try against the Eels, who fielded trialist and Leeds target Jai Field.

Valentine Holmes made his return to action with North Queensland as they edged Brisbane 18-16 in atrocious conditions at Barlow Park.

Holmes played just under half an hour in his first rugby league appearance since 2018. He had been chasing his dream of playing in the NFL, having been released from his contract with Cronulla.

Melbourne also coped without several key men as they recorded an 18-16 win over New Zealand Warriors.

Young full-back Nicho Hines was involved in two of his sides tries, while Tino Faasuamaleaui – bound for the Gold Coast Titans in 2021 – also produced an impressive display.

Former Featherstone hooker Cameron King suffered a possible ACL injury as a young Cronulla side lost 30-18 against Canterbury.

The former Rovers man suffered the injury under no contact, and was helped from the field in his first game back in Australia. The Bulldogs ran out winners after three tries in the final 10 minutes at Port Moresby’s National Football Stadium.

In the final pre-season trial, St George Illawarra Dragons beat Newcastle 38-12, with Jordan winger Jordan Pereira scoring four.

There was also a try for former Catalans centre Brayden Wiliame, who joined the club back in December following his departure from Catalans.

NRL trial results:

Brisbane Broncos 16-18 North Queensland Cowboys

Cronulla Sharks 18-20 Canterbury Bulldogs

Melbourne Storm 18-16 New Zealand Warriors

Newcastle Knights 12-38 St George Illawarra Dragons

Parramatta Eels 24-28 South Sydney Rabbitohs

Wests Tigers 4-32 Penrith Panthers.

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