Marist Brothers Rams first preseason trial saw them up against the Queensland Cup holders Burleigh Bears before a good crowd at Crozier Field, Lismore, late yesterday afternoon.

After the Ramettes had lost to Northern United 4-12 in the LLT and the Reserve Grade lost 4-30 against Burleigh Bears, it was the turn of Mark Sivewright's First Grade side, ostensibly the side that went to the NRRRL Gold Competition final, to take on the Gold Coast outfit.

"Burleigh put on a clinic, they are a very well drilled team," said Sivewright after the 6/46 defeat.

"It was a great trial against quality opposition. 

"Our effort was awesome , all our players played big minutes which is want you want out of a trial game."

Isaac Lee, playing in the second row, scored Brothers' only try.

With a disrupted preparation, the match was prefect for Sivewright and his assistant coaches Simon Andrews and Jake Campbell to assess the players and the set plays in the first hit-out since the loss to Ballina Magpies in Ballina last October.

"Burleigh Bears are certainly the benchmark," said Sivewright.

Under-18 players Jack Elmore, Jye Davis and Lennox Rowe received public praise from Reserve Grace co-coach Darryl Butcher.

"A massive thank you to the three under 18s lads, not just stepping up and helping out the senior grades but also all putting in very impressive performances. If it wasn’t for these three, reserve grade would of played the last quarter with 10 players. We are all very grateful for your efforts," Butcher said on Facebook.

Marist Brothers Rams take on Casino Cougars at Crozier Field in the final trial match on Saturday, April 17, before the season kicks off with the local derby against Northern United on Sunday, May 2.