Changing role still allows to utilise competitive advantage for speedster

Aitken made a big impact at fullback last season, with his growth one of the real highlights in a tough season for the Blues.

He was also on the wing for Riverina's Country Championships campaign.

However, with the return of Mitch Ivill this season, Aitken was shifted into five-eighth for Tumut's lone trial in preparation for the Group Nine season.

Tumut co-coach Dean Bristow was pleased with how the first real test of the move went.

"It was good," Bristow said.

"It's good having Mitch back, and we're obviously blessed at the moment with the choice of fullbacks that we've got, but we've got a different role for Mal this year in the six.

"I thought he acquitted himself real well. He showed his speed there playing in the game and streaked away for a try.

"I thought they both acquitted themselves really well."

Aitken was joined in the halves by Todd Broad with Jordan Anderson at hooker.

The Blues were part of a tight trial with Kiama at Mossvale on Saturday.

Bristow was happy with their efforts.

"We just needed to get some footy under our belt, work on some combinations with some new faces coming in there this year," he said.

"You can do a hell of a lot at training, but nothing really replicates a game scenario so to have some boys back in the mix was good.

"Jacob Sturt is back, and he played, Michael Fenn played, and he hasn't spent a lot of time at training due to him being in Sydney, so it was good for him to get some footy.

"We just needed to see some blokes in different positions just so we can pick our best team for round one."

The Blues were without some firepower with co-coach Zac Masters, Lewis Arragon and Matt Byatt all not playing in the trial.

Masters remains in doubt for their round one clash with Albury at Twickenham as he deals with complications from wrist surgery.

However, with Sturt and Fenn back with the club this season the Blues have a lot more depth at their disposal.

A rare chance to compare two of the strongest rugby league competitions ended in a stalemate.

Group Nine premiers Young and their Canberra Raiders Cup counterparts Queanbeyan Kangaroos faced off in a trial with the Cherrypickers scoring the last two trials for the clash at Alfred Oval to finish with a 20-all draw.

It was played on the same day that the Kangaroos faced off with Queanbeyan Blues, who were both beaten in the respective grand finals.

Young captain-coach Tom Giles was pleased with their performance.

"It was hot, very, very hot and both teams were understrength, but it was a good hit out," Giles said.

"Our first graders got some good minutes out, the ones that did play, and there were a few little niggles but it allowed everyone to get into the rhythm of playing each other again.

"It was definitely a good hit out."

Devon Makoare-Boyce and Isaac Matalavea-Booth weren't part of the trial, and both also weren't part of their West Wyalong Knockout campaign.

However, Giles has been impressed with Jonah Latu's return after sitting out last season, Jonny Mitsias made a good first impression at fullback, while youngsters Cooper Smith and Riley Butcher also stepped up to the mark.

After giving their rivals plenty of opportunities, Giles was pleased with how their attack came together.

"We dropped a lot of ball, and they only got down there because of our drop balls," he said.

"We were down there six times and scored five times so every time we were down there we scored so if that's the only problem for the year - drop balls, which is easily fixed then I'll be happy with it.

"It was good to get the combos back and combos worked on considering it was our last hit out before the year starts."

Giles labelled the trial a good step forward.

Young will head to Yanco Wamoon's 9s event on Saturday to wrap up their pre-season preparations.

They will face Proten Cup club Cobar, Group Nine rivals Southcity and Group 20 premiers Darlington Point Coleambally at Leeton on Saturday.