The Mole: Big-name Sea Eagles halves 'looking nervously over their shoulders' after young gun's stunner

Jamal Fogarty and Luke Brooks will be looking nervously over their shoulders after Joey Walsh starred in Manly's upset win over the Warriors on Saturday afternoon.

The experienced duo are certain to get the nod from coach Anthony Seibold to start the season.

But boom rookie Walsh showed he will keep the heat on - and could get his chance down the track if the Sea Eagles start the season poorly.

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Walsh led the Sea Eagles well around the park, kicked strongly and handled the big Warriors forwards well in defence in Manly's 33-18 win.

Fellow youngster Onitoni Large also lived up to the massive hype around his name, shining at five-eighth.

The Warriors' young guns were pretty poor given their great chance on the big stage.

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There were a host of outstanding young players who grabbed their chance - and some who struggled in the step up over the weekend trials.

At Redcliffe on Friday night, hooker Luke Sommerton put his hand up for a top grade berth in the Titans' surprise win over the Dolphins.

Sommerton, a 25-year-old who has played 12 games for Penrith over the past three seasons, looked dangerous in his new colours, laying on two tries and making two line breaks.

But the night belonged to luckless Dolphins forward Thomas Flegler, who celebrated his return after two years out with a serious shoulder injury with a powerhouse try.

Wingers Michael Asomua and Sione Finau each scored two tries to give Ricky Stuart plenty to think about in the Raiders' 32-6 thrashing of Melbourne at Seiffert Oval.

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He's only 18, but Tigers fans have been waiting to see youngster Heamasi Makasino in top company.

The youngster played one game last year without making much impression but decimated the Roosters with an eye-catching hat-trick on Saturday afternoon.

A big, strong centre/wing in the Bradman Best mould, Makasino proved a real handful in the Tigers' 42-26 win over a patchy Roosters side.

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New players, new spine, new coach… but same old Newcastle in a worrying sign for Knights fans on Saturday night.

The Knights have struggled to score points for several seasons and failed to trouble the scoreboard at home, humbled 28-0 by the Bulldogs.

Despite boasting star signings Dylan Brown and Sandon Smith in the halves, the Knights looked flat, making just four line breaks in 80 minutes and failing to turn any of them into points.

The Bulldogs had an excellent tune-up for Vegas - except for the hamstring injury to star utility back Matt Burton.

Viliame Kikau was a real handful for the Knights defence out wide, while promising winger Jonathan Sua also made the most of his chance.

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The Dragons were haunted by a player who they showed the door in Saturday night's shock loss to a 'spare parts' South Sydney team in the Charity Shield.

Matt Dufty - Souths' third choice fullback on a NSW Cup contract after returning from the UK - carved up his old mates with a stunning display.

Dufty ran for over 230 metres, scored a smart solo try and was safe under pressure.

Several Dragons seemed to be saving themselves for Vegas in two weeks but unless they lift their intensity, they are set for a hiding from the Bulldogs.