Parkes defeated Forbes 22-16 in the first round of official Group 11 trials and built on that performance on Sunday when they cruised past the Raiders.

Parkes won 40-26 on the road and will take plenty of positives from the match.

The first grade performance was even better given the fact inspirational captain-coach Dennis Moran didn’t take part in the match, watching on from the sidelines as he continues to recover from a rib cartilage injury.

For Moran, who has taken over as Parkes captain-coach this season, it continues a promising 2015 pre-season which also included a win in the inaugural Group 11 Nines competition.

“We were a bit scrappy but that is why we play trials - to get all the rustiness out of our system before the season begins,” Moran said.

“It was real positive sign that we could still get a good win even though we were not at our best.

“We won’t be getting carried away though.

“It was a trial and Macquarie will improve from the run as well.

“They are a good side and will do well this season,” Moran said.

New recruit Brendan Tago, a former Sydney Roosters and Queensland Under 20s player, again impressed while Michael Mitchell, Sam Dwyer and forwards Jordan Pope and Dave Masoe were some of the other standouts.

Macquarie started the game the better of the two teams, scoring two tries to lead 10-0.

After the 20 minute drinks break, Parkes were a different team.

The Spacemen’s first try came after a good run from Aubery Milson who offloaded to Jake Porter. Porter ran 40 metres to score a good try which Alex Prout converted for 10-6.

Kevin Frank crossed next after a penalty gave Parkes good field position. 

Good work inside created an opportunity for Frank who, with strong running, crashed over to score. 

Prout kicked the goal to make it 12-10 to the visitors.

Jordan Pope scored the first of his three tries with strong running off a good Jake Porter pass for the visitors to lead 16-10.

From a Macquarie dropped ball, Parkes kept the ball alive through several sets of hands for Pope to cross for his second try and give Parkes a 22-10 advantage.

On the cusp of half-time, prop David Masoe offloaded to the ever-present Sam Dwyer who drew the last of the defence before passing to give Prout an open run to the line for 28-10.

After half-time, Macquarie fought back with two hard earned tries to narrow the margin to six points. 

Parkes hit back with a try to Aubery Milson off a great pass from George Wright which re-established a 12 point cushion.

The following 15 minutes were very physical with both teams offering punishing defence which led to several dropped balls.

Late in the game Jordan Pope scored a well-deserved hat-trick. 

A Craig Edwards run saw him offload for Dwyer to draw and pass, sending Pope over to cap a strong Spacemen performance.

Macquarie fared better in the reserve grade clash with a 36-10 win over the Spacemen while Parkes were also the best in the Under 18s, recording a 20-16 victory.

In other official trial matches, Dubbo Westside were beaten on the siren by Wellington and Nyngan were comprehensive winners over Cobar.

In other Group 11 news, secretary Ross McDermott confirmed a seven-team women’s league tag competition will begin on April 10.

McDermott added Dubbo still hasn’t been ruled out of hosting the Manly Sea Eagles-Brisbane Broncos NRL match in Round 21.

The Brookvale Stadium surface has come under plenty of fire in recent weeks and the Broncos match is still listed at a location “TBC” on the official NRL draw.

After speaking to people at the Sea Eagles three weeks ago, McDermott said he expects to know more about Caltex Park’s chances in the next two weeks.