"With injuries and missing players, it will take us a bit of time,'' admitted Stanton, after watching a young Sutherland side, missing eight players from last year, struggle to beat Super League club St George in the Leader Cup trial game at Seymour Shaw Park, Miranda, last Saturday night.

While both teams fielded under-strength sides, the trial was willing, with players from both showing some good skills, even if the finishing left a bit to be desired. St George dominated early on and were deserved 1-0 leaders at the break.

Sutherland evened up the scores in the second half and probably should have taken the game by the throat, but were guilty of poor positioning and options in front of their opponents' goal, late in the match.

Early season nerves meant both teams missed goals from the spot in the extra-time penalty shootout decider, before Sutherland eventually prevailed 5-4.

The game showed St George under coach Nic Orlic should be a bigger force in the Super League competition this year.

Although Sutherland have lost a few players, headed by leading Premier League goal scorer Brad Boardman, they have recruited former Scottish Schoolboys star Steve McConologue and experienced Premier League striker and former Sharks Youth player, Benjamin Vidaic. Injured players will return from next week.