The NRL Nines came and went, leaving us with a few insights into the 2016 Warriors, not many though. Trials give us a few more insights and more importantly, as more experienced players have their minutes and workload closely monitored we get to see how players on the cusp of first grade selection might fit in along with those players who will feature more prominently in NSW Cup and Under 20s footy.

Before I get into the Warriors squad to face the Gold Coast Titans in Whangarei on Saturday night, we've gotta keep it real about the Titans. The squad they have named is nothing close to what we will see them serve up in the NRL with most of their NRL squad named to face the Eels in Alice Springs. The Titans squad to face the Warriors does however feature former Junior/NSW Cup Warrior Jarrod Tua who will line up at centre as well as former Junior Warrior Matt Robinson who will start in the second-row.

Standard selections are: Ken Maumalo and Manu Vatuvei on either wing, Matt Allwood at centre, Albert Vete and Charlie Gubb starting props, Issac Luke at hooker, Raymond Faitala-Mariner and Ben Henry on the edges and Ligi Sao starting at lock.

Manu is a lock for one wing spot with the other spot up for grabs. Maumalo gets a chance after the Nines, I've got Maumalo as being ahead of Jonathan Wright but I'd rather have Tui Lolohea play on the wing over Maumalo.

The back-row combination is what intrigues me as Henry returns from injury, he'll be looking to make a home on the edge this season as he and Faitala-Mariner fight for game time behind Ryan Hoffman and Bodene Thompson. Sao had a big season with Manly in 2015 and is a very good NRL forward who will live in the middle of the field as a prop/lock, he's competing with a stacked prop/middle forward rotation that includes Vete, Gubb, Sam Lisone, Jacob Lillyman, Ben Matulino and Simon Mannering.

Trials always serve up funky selections though, here goes...

Tomas Aoake at fullback: he's a few spots down on the depth chart, we'll get a good look at him here.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad at centre: all research suggests Nicoll-Klokstad is a very talented young back, big and powerful while also display subtlety with his feet. There's a bit of uncertainty surrounding the centres (I'm rocking with Kata/Hurrell) and Nicoll-Klokstad could force himself into contention with a strong display. Matt Allwood will need to step up himself if that's the case.

Ata Hingano and Erin Clark as halves: Two of the club's most promising juniors who also double as a impressive halves combo. I love this combo with Clark controlling things while Hingano roams a few passes wide of the ruck and we're going to be graced with a look at the future with these two. They've also got to be ready should injury strike.

I don't expect the blokes named 14-22 to feature too heavily this season and they will spend most of their time in NSW Cup or Under 20s, there are a few to keep an eye on though.

Viliami Kaveinga #14: He's toiled away in reserve grade for a few years now and he'll be eager to snap up any opportunity he can. Usually a winger or fullback, Kaveinga will likely share the fullback spot with Aoake.

James Gavet #15: Gavet has spent the summer on trial with the Warriors and to be honest it's hard to see how Gavet fits in with the Warriors boasting swollen forward stocks. Gavet offers aggression and intensity which could be his niche.

Upu Poching #16, Ofahiki Ogden #17, Jazz Tevaga #18, Bunty Afoa #19: Forward depth, this is the next tier of Warriors forwards who will will most likely have to wait until next season and beyond to truly make their mark. 

Marata Niukore #20: Capable of playing second-row and centre, it will be interesting to see where Niukore plays in this trial. I want to see him at centre as he's more of the solid centre that we want and we've got lots of capable second-rowers.

Kane Telea #21: This kid can play...