Little-known playmaker Ronald Volkman lit up Kirkham Park with two tries as the Roosters overcame the Wests Tigers 28-22 in a trial in Camden on Saturday.
Volkman, considered one of the best juniors coming through the club's system, scored a chip-and-chase try before pouncing on a loose ball and racing 70 metres to break an 18-18 deadlock late.
The Roosters kicked away again shortly after through Naufahu Whtye to seal a win that won't leave Michael Maguire with any further clarity on the make-up of his spine combination leading into round one.
New recruit Daine Laurie didn't look out of place at five-eighth with some light-footed stepping and ball-playing but struggled to stand out against a Roosters side made up of first-grade hopefuls.
The former Panther, who arrived at the club a fortnight ago, linked with Michael Chee Kam and Tommy Talau on the left edge for the opening 40 minutes before reverting to fullback in the second half.
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With Adam Doueihi suspended for round one, Laurie will have another chance to impress next week in the club's main trial against the Sea Eagles, where most of Maguire's big names will be available.
Back-up playmaker Jock Madden was busy with a few classy kicks but struggled to match the skills of Volkman.
Another area that left more questions than answers was at hooker with Jake Simpkin and Jacob Liddle sharing the duties throughout the game.
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Simpkin looked sharp in a 30-minute stint before Liddle came on and shared a middle role.
Former Parramatta prop Stefano Utoikamanu also looked solid in limited opportunities.
Ultimately, it was a rusty effort from both outfits with many players stepping onto the field for the first time in almost 12 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The visitors crossed early through Sione Hopoate as Roosters coach Trent Robinson watched on from the sidelines.
Former Raider Brad Abbey put his case forward for earning a Roosters contract with a solid stint at fullback before leaving the field for a head injury assessment.
There were concerning scenes late with promising Wests Tigers forward Billy Stapleton suffering a suspected broken jaw after a collision with his first touch.
Stapleton was taken to hospital via ambulance in sad scenes to an otherwise positive afternoon in Sydney's south-west.