The defending Central North premiers were too good for the visiting Dubbo Kangaroos, running out 57-5 victors and showing some ominous signs for the season.

Their scrum was dominant, forcing the Roos backwards on numerous occasions and turning defence into attack. And that was missing Ben Goodman and their two starting second rowers from last season. Sam Collins was also playing in the backs.

“It’s good to know we can fill these gaps when we need to,” Pirates coach Mat Kelly said.

Dubbo were originally bringing up three teams but were only able to scramble together one and a bit, so instead of three games the game was split into three quarters.

Despite the scoreline, Kelly said it was a tough hit-out for his side. He could though only marvel at the way they looked like they were mid-way through their season, not starting it. 

There were a few fumbles, but that was to be expected, but the structure that they have been building over the years and has been the backbone of their success was evident.

“It was good to see that so early in the year,” Kelly said.

Carrying on from their successful trip to Sydney the previous weekend, he was pleased to see that effort over longer minutes.

Sam Collins and Conrad Starr both crossed for doubles, Kelly remarking that the latter just gets better with age.

New recruit Lewyn Rapana also had a fantastic game playing in the centres, while the Collins brothers – Sam, Tim and Andrew, combined well together.