On a very hot day and with only two reserves, the Warriors were expected to struggle against a Belmont Souths team led by former Newcastle Knight, State Of Origin and Australian player Kade Snowden. 

The Warriors certainly struggled in the heat but never shirked their task the whole game and with several players in new positions captain coach Nathan Ward has plenty to work with this season.

Dungog opened the scoring when Brad Barnes finished off a good backline move from a scrum win to score in the corner.

A Belmont South try had both teams going to the first break locked together at four points apiece.

The Rabbitohs opened the scoring early in the second quarter with a converted try and were looking to dominate the Warriors but a second try to Brad Barnes from a well executed move managed to slow their momentum.

Injuries had the Warriors with no reserves and Belmont Souths extended its lead with another converted try to end the second period of play.

 With conditions being as they were and Dungog with no reserves the third and final 20 minutes was called off for the day.

With players adapting to new positions and new players having their first run there were enough promising signs to suggest the Warriors will win more than they lose this season.

New players Chris Sharkey and Brad Barnes both showed plenty in their first hit out for the Warriors with Barnes showing good pace and anticipation in scoring two tries.

John Ward and Zach Thackeray both returning to the club also had good games.

Jackson Bell at fullback was solid and halfback Trai Brekelmans and his brother Aidan at hooker will only get better as the year goes on.

A great gutsy effort by all the Warriors and there looks to be plenty to build on as the season progresses.

This Friday night Dungog travel to Raymond Terrace to take on the Magpies with the game set down for a 7pm kickoff.