But as an exercise, the match ticked a lot of boxes.
The players looked hungry and focussed, with some impressive goal line defence in the first half and cohesion on attack throughout.
Most importantly, the labour of the last few months was on display.
“The goal was to see the things that we practiced - did we put it into place?” said Webster. “Not everything was going to be perfect [but] in patches we did it really, really well.”
“I’ve seen plenty of trials where teams just go out there and emotionally ruin it. They throw everything out the window and they don’t focus on what [they] have actually done.”
In their first match together, halves Te Maire Martin and Luke Metcalf showed promise as a partnership, though Shaun Johnson will return next weekend.
They played a key role in the best attacking moments, linking for some smart moves.
Metcalf also scored a sharp solo try while Martin kicked well throughout.
“It was a good start for them, building combinations,” agreed Webster. “We have some real competition in the halves. They combined really well and they looked controlled. I particularly enjoyed our kicking game at times.”
Apart from a “scratchy” period early in the second half, when the Tigers rolled up field at will, Webster was content with the defence.
He said they showed pride and “looked like a team” even if they were “out of sync” with some of their goal line organisation.
On a night when a lot of young players were on show, fullback Taine Tuaupiki was particularly impressive, with some strong carries, good positional play and tough defence, highlighted by a try saving tackle.
Tuaupiki starred in the Queensland Cup last season for Burleigh Bears and was brought across on a train and trial deal.
“I had a tip about him and watched some footage,” said Webster.
The coach liked what he saw and that positive impression was enhanced when they talked for the first time.
“He was not only a good player but he backed it up as a good person,” said Webster. “I heard the hunger over the phone so he deserved his opportunity [on Thursday]. He will have to keep earning it and he will get his [NRL] debut at some stage.”
Webster confirmed Tuaupiki is close to being signed to the first grade squad, with four spots available on the 2023 roster.
Webster was also pleased with the efforts of a large contingent of reserve grade players, who were used in the final quarter.
“To see them come up, know the calls, know the plays, know our fundamentals, that was pretty cool to see,” said Webster.
Most of the big guns will be rolled out next Sunday against Melbourne – including new recruits Marata Niukore, Mitch Barnett and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.
Dylan Walker is “touch and go” - after pulling out of Saturday’s NRL All Stars match with a hip issue.
“We wanted him to play for the Maori but it was his decision,” said Webster. “He wanted to look after his body, he wasn’t quite happy with where he was at.”
